AN appeal has been lodged against an anti-social behaviour order which has banned a prostitute from Blackburn's red light district.

Defence solicitor Stephen Parker has lodged the appeal following the decision by Blackburn magistrates to impose an order which prohibits Roxanne Clayton entering the predominantly residential area which police have pledged to make a 'no-go' area for working girls.

The magistrates made the order after hearing that Clayton, 20, of East Park Road, Blackburn, had been cautioned and convicted twice in the last six months for loitering for the purpose of prostitution.

Residents of the area have welcomed the police crackdown and Sgt Phil Davies said he hoped the anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO) would send a message to other prostitutes.

"We will take a firm line on soliciting in residential areas and we will apply for further orders if necessary," said Sgt Davies.

But Mr Parker said he believed the order was not necessary and, even if it was, it was disproportionate to the problem that was being addressed.

"I don't believe it was necessary to keep my client out of this area, 24 hours a day for the next two years," said Mr Parker.

"The reason given for making the order was to protect residents from harassment and distress caused by her working as a prostitute.

"The order should have been directed towards those activities and the times and days when they take place.

"As it stands should my client walk through that area at 11am carrying her shopping bags and doing no harm to anyone she risks being jailed for up to five years," he said.

"Should she be outside the area working as a prostitute she risks nothing more than a financial penalty but should she step inside, albeit behaving in a lawful manner, she risks going to prison."

The appeal will be heard by a judge at Preston Crown Court on a date to be fixed.