RESIDENTS today demanded action over a derelict row of shops and flats after police said they were plagued by criminals.

People living in Parklands, off Manchester Road, Burnley, said they want the troubled units pulled down after claiming gangs of teenagers gathering there had made their lives hell.

Residents said a petition submitted to the council more than 18 months ago has been ignored and nothing has been done.

The privately-owned shops have been empty for at least 12 months since the last business -- a hairdressers -- closed.

Kathryn Hanlon, 76, who has lived opposite the empty shops since they were built in 1967, said they have been a constant source of trouble in the neighbourhood.

She said: "Within a year of moving here the shops had been built and ever since they have had numerous tenants in all of the units.

"The only one to make a go of it was a newsagent's. One was a launderette that was always being broken into.

"It has been endless, I could write a book on it. If someone was coming to buy a house on this estate and that was the first thing they saw -- would they stop? I don't think so.

"The problems are not going to go away until the shops are pulled down. It's not fair that the police are up here all the time."

Inspector Richard Blackburn said: "We are fully aware of the problems associated with the old shop premises in Calderbrook Avenue.

"I can confirm that we have attended these premises on numerous occasions to deal with allegations of criminal activity and also to deal with specific complaints of nuisance and disorder.

"Representatives of Burnley West Police have attended two public meetings where the issue of a Compulsory Purchase Order for the shops has been discussed."

Inspector Blackburn said that although they were treating the problems seriously, it was not within police powers to ask for buildings to be demolished.

He added: "Allegations of criminal activity in and around the flats are not in themselves grounds for a Compulsory Purchase Order and it is certainly not something that we alone can influence.

"Several persons are currently either remanded in custody or remanded on bail awaiting trial as a result of allegations of criminal activity in or around the premises.

"We will continue to respond to complaints from residents and support them in any way that we are able".

Kathryn and other residents have also enlisted the help of Rosehill councillor Charles Bullas, who has promised to give his full support and is backing their calls for demolition.

He said: "I have been campaigning for 18 months with the residents to try and get these shops knocked down.

"Something has to be done. I will be asking the council for a full compulsory purchase order so that they can be pulled down and something else can be put in their place."

A spokesman for Burnley Council said: "With Compulsory Purchase Orders we have to consult with all sides involved.

"It can even go to a public inquiry. There can be objections at every stage -- it can take up to two years."