SECURITY cameras should be installed on troubled housing estates in a bid to clamp down on thugs who have made them no-go areas, it has been claimed.

And a Blackburn councillor has demanded to know when promised extra police will take to the streets to help cure the problem of rowdy youths and vandalism.

But the town's police chief Superintendent Eddie Walsh today slammed the claims of no-go areas made by Coun Tony Humphrys as "absolute nonsense".

The Shadsworth councillor spoke at a housing committee during a debate on the problems faced by people living in the Whitebirk area. Coun Humphrys said: "In every estate in the borough we are having problems with youths and vandalism. Every night I am disturbed by youths and police sirens.

"The police have made promises about extra community police officers but I have yet to see where they are.

"Security cameras have been installed in the town centre and the time has now come where we need them on our estates."

He added: "There are now no go areas in this town for the police.

"We employ the police to look after the borough and is it about time they came out of the police station and back onto the streets."

But Supt Walsh blasted: "It is absolute nonsense to say there are no-go areas in any part of Blackburn.

"There are community police officers operating throughout Blackburn and six months ago we set up a pro-active police squad which is proving very effective." Blackburn Council has received a petition from people living in Whitebirk calling for action to be taken against troublemakers.

And Greenbank councillor Frank Gorton has promised to meet the tenants to talk about their increasing problems.

He said: "Lancashire's Chief Constable has promised to introduce around 130 more special constables.

"I hope that when we do get these extra officers they will be deployed on our estates.

"We should not have to rely on a private security firm to protect our tenants."

Coun Sue Reid, the housing chairman, said: "This is something that cuts across all areas and not just council estates.

"When our tenants cause problems with anti-social behaviour, we will take action against them."

Phil Richards, Blackburn's housing chief, said: "There is a national problem of anti-social behaviour and that is why we a have professional witnesses working across the borough."

See also: OPINION

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