POLICE have pledged to support residents who claim they are being intimidated by a family of troublemakers on an estate.

People living on the Woodnook Estate, Accrington, are setting up a public forum in a bid hit back at the vandals and troublemakers who have moved into the area.

Police, councillors and politicians are joining forces to support the initiative but organisers are concerned their efforts could be undermined by the small group of rowdies.

A public meeting is to be held at Woodnook Primary School on Thursday, March 28.

The family will be just one of the problems discussed at the meeting.

Superintendent Malcolm Rawcliffe, head of Accrington police, refused to confirm the identity of the family.

He said: "We have had a number of complaints from a number of people living in the area about certain individuals.

"There have been complaints about intimidation and nuisance in the area. "We are aware of the problem and we are determined to do all we can to support the residents in Woodnook."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope has also had several complaints from Woodnook residents.

He said: "A number of people have contacted me about the problems in the area.

"I am obviously concerned about the situation and I have contacted the police about the situation and will be talking to them again to see if some action can be taken."

Coun Wendy Dwyer has been helping to set up the residents' group. She said: "Woodnook used to be one of the nicest parts of Accrington.

"But over the last few years there has been a lot of vandalism and there also many properties left empty in the area.

"This is an attempt to get a united effort by everybody, the police, the churches, and the council, to improve the area."

Hyndburn Council has received no complaints about the trouble makers but town hall bosses are involved in the initiative.

Edgar Bignell, head of community services, said: "The aim is to get people involved in their community.

"We want to see residents taking active steps to improve their own environment."

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