POLICE have come under fire from an MP for failing to tackle the problems on a crime-ridden Darwen estate.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson has joined a growing number of people calling for action on the troubled Anchor estate.

Residents say teenage vandals and trouble-causers are making their lives a misery and wrecking the estate.

Local councillor Mike Barrett has been campaigning for police to take action and Mrs Anderson has taken up the cause.

She has written to Blackburn with Darwen Council chief executive Phil Watson and the head of Blackburn police Chief Superintendent Eddie Walsh.

She said: "I am most concerned about the problems the Anchor estate residents face with groups of youths congregating and causing a nuisance in the local area with their anti-social behaviour.

"The residents say they feel let down by police and one resident was told that the police were too busy to respond." She added: "I realise that at certain times there are severe burdens placed on police.

"However, I do feel that the problems in the area should be recognised and responded to in a manner that will rectify the problems."

Coun Mike Barrett, who represents Earcroft ward for the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said he had already held meetings with Inspector Stuart Coates of Darwen police and a community officer.

He added: "The vast majority of residents on the Anchor estate are witnessing the decline of a once thriving, supportive community which is being destroyed by anti-social behaviour.

"When residents have approached the people responsible, they have been subjected to abuse threats or intimidation.

"This is not acceptable and in the view of many in the community the police response has done little to reassure them that the issue is being taken seriously."

Chief Superintendent Eddie Walsh has recently pledged to crackdown on the troublemakers on the estate.

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