A NEW residents group has been set up following concerns over an increase in crime in the area.

The Lammack Association in Blackburn aims to provide a non-political voice for local people on issues including a spate of thefts from cars, planning applications and crime.

One of its founder board members Sabir Esa said he was concerned about the use of a property on Quebec Road to provide accommodation for vulnerable young people.

He said the association would provide a means of communication between residents on Lammack and Beardwood and their three Billinge and Beardwood councillors - Conservative Margaret Daley and Labour’s Tassy Fazal and Jackie Floyd.

It elected 77-year-old Alfred Green as chairman.

He said: “We are independent, non-political and non-sectarian and will represent and promote the interests of local people in the area.

“Our principal activities concern planning applications and local problems with street lights, road repairs and crime.

“We are concerned about a recent spate of thefts from cars including breaking windows to steal goods from inside them.”

Mr Esa, a former chairman of Blackburn Conservative Association and defeated candidate in Billinge and Beardwood in May who has since resigned from the party, said he remained concerned about the Quebec Road property despite leaflet sent out by the three councillors last week on its use.

He said: “I think they are brushing things under the carpet. The councillors can be difficult to get hold off. I want the association to be a means for communicating with them on issues of general community concern like the Quebec Road property as opposed to individual concerns.”

The leaflet on the Quebec Road property sent out by the councillors in consultation with the local police and its operators CURA says the house is for up to two young people aged 16 to 25 who have had to leave their family home.

It aims to promote semi-independent living and is not used for young offenders or ex-offenders and has a support worker on site 24 hours a day.

Cllr Fazal said: “We are happy to work with the new Lammack Association and consult with their concerns.

“We are aware of the recent spate of car thefts and liaising with local police and have put out a leaflet reassuring residents that there is nothing to be concerned about over the residents of house in Quebec Road despite a lot of unfounded rumours.”