HOLLY Street has earned itself a prickly reputation that keeps criminals out.

When it comes to home security the row of terraces in Nelson is tops. Now the street has become the first in Pendle to be given the police's Secured by Design award, which marks home improvements aimed at keeping crime at bay.

The street passed with flying colours on guidelines including security on front and back doors, security lighting, intruder alarms and strength of door mounts and frames.

The award is the result of hard work between local residents, Pendle Council's urban renewal unit and the police. The street is in the Southfield renewal area and is patrolled by PC Dieter Neve the Community Beat Officer.

Superintendent Mike Griffin, head of police in Pendle, said: "It must be comforting for the residents to know that the security of their homes has been greatly improved."

Pendle Mayor Coun Jo Belbin added: "The award is an assurance to residents that security measures in their homes meet the standards approved by the police."

Other houses and commercial premises have been built in Pendle using the Secured by Design approach.

The award is to be presented tomorrow.

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