RESIDENTS on a Darwen street have set up a petition to rid their road of a run-down ginnel which they say attracts drunks and teenage yobs.

Dennis Edwards, 55, is one of many residents on the road who is sick of the problems caused by a pathway connecting the Leven Grove homes to Birch Hall Avenue. Now Blackburn with Darwen Council has said it will look into the problems.

Elderly residents say they have faced youths running through their gardens and some have received verbal abuse.

The 26 tenants of housing company Twin Valley Homes have signed a petition for the ginnel to be removed.

Dennis, of Leven Grove, said: "The path is used by drunks and young yobs and we've asked it to be closed three times but no one listens to us.

"They come off Birch Hall Avenue and sometimes cut through the residents' gardens to get to the cricket grounds. Most of the people on this street are very elderly and it becomes a very stressful situation for them.

"I know an 85-year-old man who had abuse hurled at him. Sometimes they vandalise the gardens and tread on all the plants and it's disgusting."

Malcolm Heys, 62, has lived by the side of the pathway for 13 years. He said: "You get all sorts of shouting and rubbish thrown over the side into the gardens. They leave a real mess and there's nothing you can do about it."

Lee Moran, 24, the youngest resident on the street, said: "The kids are really targeting the elderly because they know they can't chase them."

Police revealed they had received around six calls from residents in the past two months but on no occasions had any serious damage been done to property.

Coun Mike Barrett said: "We at the council are aware of the problems and I have spoken to two residents who aren't happy with the pathway. We are looking into the situation with Twin Valley and the council to see whether it would be appropriate to close the ginnel.

"The problems in the area are an example of youth nuisance and it is a real concern for residents. I sympathise with them and hope we can sort out the problem soon."