RESIDENTS in flats and sheltered housing fear they are open to intruders after stairwell locks were removed for safety reasons.

The decision by Hyndburn Homes to remove locks from the stairwell doors of multi-occupancy buildings in the borough was due to fire risks.

However, residents say they should have installed fire safety locks instead which would also keep them safe from crime.

Margaret Rothwell, 68, from Oswaldtwistle, said she now feared the stairwell in her building would become plagued with drinking and anti-social behaviour.

She said: “Like many flats, the front door of the building can be accidentally left unlocked.

"Once, one of the stairwell doors was left open and we had drunks sleep on the stairs overnight.

"Now it will be open every night.

“Where I live is not a sheltered housing sheme, but it suits many older people just as well because it’s flats which are ‘two up and two down’.

“Now they have ripped out the main protection we had from intrusion.”

“One of my neighbours has been teased and targeted by young thugs and now that the stairwell is open to all, what’s to stop them sitting right outside his front door?”

Brian Rawlinson, also from Oswaldtwistle, said: “Twin Valley homes use special fire safety locks which need keys to enter, but not to exit, but that would involve spending money wouldn’t it?

“There was no consultation at all, they just turned up and took them off.

“There are a lot of elderly residents who are very concerned and frightened after previous experiences with anti-social behavior.

“We live on the most isolated part of the estate, and people are frightened.”

Neighbourhood manager for Hyndburn Homes David Perry said: “The fire service advised us to remove the locks as exit doors should be quickly and easily openable without the need for a key.

"We cannot put people’s lives at risk.

“We are looking at the practicality and costs involved in replacing the locks and are due to start a rolling programme of door replacements.

“We hope this matter will be resolved in due course to everyone’s satisfaction.”