TRAILBLAZING residents have vowed to tackle crime and disorder on their doorsteps.

People living in Waterfoot and Stagills, Rossendale, have joined forces with the police, council, churches, and youth and community service, to set up an action group to beat drug dealers, burglars and other troublemakers.

The group is the first of its kind in Rossendale, although there are similar schemes in Burnley and Pendle.

The Waterfoot and Staghills Community Action Group has held a number of meetings at Waterfoot Housing Office and will now begin work to formulate a plan to reduce crime in the area.

Reducing anti-social behaviour, the supply and use of drugs, and the number of burglaries are thought to be top of their agenda -- with the backing of the police and council.

Inspector Mick Marren of Rossendale East said: "There are a lot of good people in this area who want to see an improvement and they are working very hard to achieve this.

"We fully support this multi-agency initiative.

"Similar initiatives in Burnley have worked extremely well and I am confident we can enjoy the same success here given the level of commitment from local residents."