POLICE today vowed to continue their drugs and weapons clampdown near a nightclub.

And they have the backing of Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who today praised officers for the operation.

The pledge came as officers displayed some of the weapons and drugs seized during stop and search operations in the roads leading to Monroe's Dance Club, Wood Street, Great Harwood.

Over seven weekends, police have targeted the area after complaints from residents.

They set up checkpoints in Balfour Street and Wood Street to stop and search people, which resulted in 71 arrests, more than 1,531 people being searched and drugs and weapons being recovered.

Weapons recovered include a pickaxe, a handaxe, two hammers, a spade, eight baseball bats, a cricket bat, six long-blade knives and an assortment of small knives.

Officers also seized several small quantities of heroin, cannabis and ecstasy.

Police said they had mounted the operation to ensure the safety of those attending the club and to disrupt criminal activities.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smith, said: "These operations have obviously proved successful in terms of the number of arrests and searches conducted by the officers.

"Operation Escort will continue until we can ensure the safety of those attending Monroe's nightclub and we will carry on working in partnership with the owner in order to do this."

Mr Smith added that he wanted to hear the views of people living in the area about the club or the policing operation.

Ian Jackson, owner of the club, said: "The arrests are not all for drugs and weapons, some are for very minor offences.

"The police didn't come last weekend, and the previous weekend they told me they had arrested two people for offences not relating to the club."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "I know residents in that part of Great Harwood are very pleased at the stance the police are taking.

"I think the police have done a great job."

Anyone with information should call Inspector O'Reilly at Great Harwood police on 01254 353303.