RESIDENTS have called on a council to come up with an action plan to revamp their "forgotten" communities.

They came together and quizzed a council official to work out a plan to counter what they see as neglect in their area.

Residents of Knuzden and Intack met with Blackburn with Darwen Council's head of technical services, Peter Van Eijsden, and tried to organise an improvement plan during a public meeting.

The group feel that a disproportionate amount of money has been spent on the top part of Shadsworth near to Queen's Park Hospital.

Foremost was what they saw as a lack of play areas for young children and teenagers and that meant groups hanging about on the streets causing trouble.

They said a lot of teenagers had been buying alcohol and then vandalising property.

The group decided to pursue an empty area of Knuzden owned by United Utilities as the site of a possible park. They also hope to get extra lighting on streets.

Another bone of contention was the lack of parking for residents. They blamed this on traffic calming measures on Shadsworth Road and Accrington road such as double yellow lines and traffic islands preventing them from parking outside their houses.

They requested a relaxation but Mr Van Eijsden said: "We have to assess whether it's safe to do it. We have to spend money on keeping roads safe rather than making car park spaces because that's what the government is asking.

"They have given us a target to reduce injuries. If we do they give us money - this has secured £80,000 for Shadsworth in the past by doing this.

"If I had spent money on car parks they would have said on your bike!"

Local councillor Tony Humphries thought the meeting had been a success and that if the residents formed into a stronger, more organised group they could help improve their area.

"The problem is that because we are on the perimeter and border on to Hyndburn there is nothing in this area," he said.

"All the efforts have been concentrated in the main estates and these have now been made good.

"They have had their share - let us have our share. Safety for children is a priority, this would keep them away from the main roads."

Coun Humphries will put the proposals to the council and the group will meet again in the near future.