A PIONEERING policy aimed at dealing with "neighbours from hell" has been slammed by national homeless charity Shelter.

The group has criticised introductory tenancies brought in by Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle councils earlier this year.

It claims people with the new tenancies do not have the same rights as their neighbours and fears town halls could use the new powers to evict people if they have arrears - even though the law was bought in to deal with nuisance neighbours.

The scheme, launched by the town's MP Jack Straw with the backing of the police and courts, puts new tenants on trial for a year.

Several families accused of causing trouble have already been moved out of their homes following high profile court cases.

Shelter spokeswoman Sallie Bridgen said: "This was heralded as a solution to the growing problem of neighbour nuisance.

"Shelter are concerned that it will it fail to do this, since it reduces the rights of all tenants by creating inequality."

She added: "New council tenants will not have the same rights as their neighbours and can be evicted if they breach any aspect of the tenancy agreement.

"People could be evicted for having rent arrears despite the fact that this is clearly not what the legislation was intended for."

But Blackburn with Darwen Council has defended its policy. A spokesman for the housing department said: "We are confident the introductory tenancies will not lead to a homelessness problem in Blackburn and Darwen.

"We have support mechanisms in place to offer advice and information to all tenants, not just those on introductory tenancies.

"Our neighbourhood nuisance unit is running successfully and problems can be solved without having to resort to possession proceedings in the majority of cases."

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