VANDALS are being blamed for a creating grotspot after they smashed down fencing and hurled it on to wasteland.

The concrete fence on the walkway between Marquis Close and Duchess Street, Lower Darwen, has been destroyed over the last few months.

Residents are angry that nothing has been done to clear up the eyesore and are now calling on Blackburn with Darwen Council to take action.

Lower Darwen Village Community Association vice-chairman John Briggs said: ''They have smashed the concrete panels and thrown them on the nearby wasteland.

''Weeds and brambles are growing through where the panels have been smashed. It is a mess and an utter disgrace.

"A street light does not work and it is dark, but if it worked it might deter the vandals.''

Mr Briggs explained that lack of lighting also put off elderly people using the walkway, because they fear for their safety.

The faulty street light has not worked since repairs were carried out on nearby light after it was hit by a car, he claims.

Mr Briggs has asked the council to repair the fence, but no work has been carried out.

He has also reported the vandalism to the police.

A council spokesman said 30 panels had been repaired in April and a council representative had visited the site to see the latest damage.

She said: ''All the work that we carried out in April has been vandalised.

"We appeal to anyone who sees vandalism at the site to report it to the police.''

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