RESIDENTS in a street plagued by prostitutes say they fear for their children's safety.

People living in Baldwin Street, at Bank Top, Blackburn, claim the area has been turned into a red light district and are demanding police take urgent action to solve the problem.

It follows similar complaints from people in Bank Top, with some people taking car numbers of kerb crawlers to hand over to police.

Now, resident Anthony Tomlinson, is to start a petition to try and get rid of prostitutes from Baldwin Street. He said: "They've only started to gather down here in recent months because they keep getting moved on from other places. "They're here from as early as 5.30pm, when there are children playing on a nearby field. When you think what sort of people prostitutes attract it really makes you fear for the safety of youngsters in this area and parents are very concerned.

"It started with just one woman standing on the street corner, but now there are two or three a night and they can be here until midnight. We're only a small street, but I'm starting a petition to try and get something done.

"I've complained to the police but they don't appear to have done anything. One man told one of the women that he was going to call the police and she replied 'The police aren't bothered.'"

Residents on Blackburn's Montague estate recently decided to take action over the rising tide of prostitution outside their homes by noting car numbers for the police. People living in Sumner Street and businesses on Clayton Street have also voiced fears on the sleazy sex trade.

A Blackburn police spokesman said they were continuing to monitor the situation and would take action appropriately.

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