AN AREA of land used by drunks and vagrants in Darwen town centre is set to stay in council ownership despite protests from nearby residents.

Property owners in Belgrave Square have tried repeatedly to buy the landscaped plot and fence it off.

Police have also stepped up operations in a bid to clear troublemakers out of the area.

But despite a crackdown on anti-social behaviour drunks and vagrants still congregate on the land.

The plot has been at the centre of row for two years and residents say the situation worsened when a wine bar opened nearby.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council looks set to keep hold of the land even though the town hall now sees the land as a liability.

A final decision will be taken at a property sub-committee meeting tonight.

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