BLACKBURN residents have demanded the council get rid of a number of stone flower beds from their streets.

More than 40 residents of Wolseley Street and Isherwood Street, Ewood, have drawn up and signed a petition asking Blackburn with Darwen Council to remove the offending objects.

Those living in the area say the flower beds are causing a range of problems, including traffic chaos for local residents.

Rhona King, who lives in Wolseley Street, said: "We have asked the council to take them away, but they just don't seem to be listening to us. It's like banging your head against a wall.

"Cars which drive too close to these flower beds are knocking off their wing mirrors and at night, gangs of youths are gathering around them and dropping litter.

"They look a real mess and we shouldn't have to look out on that. What is even worse, though, is that people are being forced to park their cars around the corner and risk getting them broken into because these things are taking up car parking spaces - there is not enough room for people to park close to their homes."

Mrs King added: "The council keep saying they can't afford to do anything, but we're not taking that lying down.

"We want these things removing and will continue asking the council until they are."

The flower beds, which are 8ft-long, were built by the council around 30 years ago, but have not been used as flower beds for some time.

George Bell, assistant director of highways and transportation for Capita, the agency in charge which looks after highways issues for Blackburn with Darwen Council, today said: "A letter has been received and is being given due consideration."