PROUD residents today angrily denied claims that yob rule has taken over their council estate.

People living on the Anchor Estate, Darwen, were responding to claims by some residents that a children's playground was used as a base for drug dealing, violence, vandalism and sexual activity.

But David Beeke, who campaigned with the Anchor Residents' Association for the park just over five years ago, slammed the stories as "nonsense".

Disabled Mr Beeke, 57, of Anchor Grove, Darwen, said: "I take my own grandchildren on to that park and walk my dog there late at night. I have never seen or heard about anything like this.

"Those stories have been spread by the few people who did not want the park in the first place, simply because it backs on to their houses."

Mr Beeke said that he would be raising the issue at the next meeting of the residents' association and stressed that people on the estate would be quick to act in the event of any problems. He added: "I would say more than 80 per cent of people on the estate are perfectly happy.

"There wouldn't be a five-year waiting list to live here if people didn't want to."

Some residents originally called for the land to be turned into allotments and claim its use as a park had led to bullying, harrassment and the dumping of condoms, syringes and beer cans.

Acting Detective Inspector Neil Smith said that he was aware of the claims and would be speaking to local people.

And Blackburn with Darwen Council's Earcroft ward councillor Simon Danczuk said the council would be assessing whether the park was having a detrimental effect on the estate.

But Paul Steele, 19, who lives in Blackburn Road, Darwen, and visits his girlfriend on the Anchor Estate, said the claims were rubbish.

He added: "The only people who go on there are aged between eight and 14 and usually want to go on the swings."

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