DRUG dealers were today warned to keep out of Pendle after police celebrated the success of a major crackdown on street crime.

Officers in Nelson and Brierfield are now appealing to the local community to work with them and single out those causing a nuisance.

The offer came as Operation Flourish, part of the Safer Streets in Lancashire scheme, was hailed a success four weeks after it was launched in respect of concerns from the local community about anti-social behaviour in the area.

It involved an increase in police activity in, including the execution of extra drugs warrants and stop and searches, as well as more high visibility reassurance patrols.

During the last month 31 people have been arrested, mainly on drugs charges, and a quantity of cannabis, crack cocaine and heroin have been seized.

The police are hoping to forge links with all the various parts of the community to solve some of the problems or at least minimise them.

Inspector Paul Robinson said he was pleased with the results to date and said his officers would continue to crackdown on drug related crime.

He said: "Operation Flourish is a focused police response to a community problem, a response which has been widely welcomed by all sectors of the local community including local councillors and community leaders.

"The vast majority of people in Nelson and Brierfield are in agreement that there is no place for drug dealing and that firm action should be taken against those caught flouting the law -- and firm action is what we have taken.

"Not only have we made a significant number of arrests but we have also greatly disrupted the activity of drugs gangs, a move which has been welcomed by all sectors of the local community. What we must do now is continue our good work, but in order to do that information from the public is vital. We want to know who is committing crime and when and where they are doing it. This information can be passed to the police on 01282 425001 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Councillor Azhar Ali, leader of Pendle Council said: "This policing operation has been a great success thus far but it is important that the communities in Brierfield and Nelson keep on telling the police and council about 'hotspots' of activity or about individuals so that the police can arrest offenders and put them before the courts.

"The high profile police presence has been very welcome over the last few weeks and the council would like to see this operation continue over a longer period to make our streets and neighbourhoods a safer place for all."