ELDERLY residents were terrified when youths sneaked into their sheltered housing complex and threw tables and chairs round the foyer.

People living in Seaton Court, Blackburn, have asked Blackburn council to ensure a similar incident is not repeated.

Police were called to the incident at teatime on March 15, but failed to detain anyone, the council's housing committee will hear on Tuesday. The sheltered housing services manager, neighbourhood officer and community police officer met residents several days later to discuss problems, and the door entry system is being renewed.

A petition signed by 16 tenants says: "We have youths who by some unknown reason have free access to Seaton Court, running riot, throwing chairs and blocking entrances."

It adds that they are worried to go in and out, and afraid to use the lounge in the evenings or go back to their flats alone.

A report to the committee said that on occasions, tenants had allowed unknown people into the complex on Fishmoor Drive after working hours.

They had now been advised not to let anyone in at any time unless they know them.

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