CCTV cameras are set to be installed near a park plagued with complaints about crime.

Earlier this year, calls were made for surveillance cameras to be set up around Olive Lane play park as a deterrent for teenagers who have been causing damage to the park’s facilities.

Additionally, in January, two teenagers were assaulted with hockey sticks in the skate park just off Olive Lane.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has now confirmed cameras are set to be put up on the roof of the nearby nursery in Lord Street.

Cllr Eileen Entwistle, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen council, said: “It’s very much needed, vandalism at the park is dreadful.

“It’s an issue in a few parks, but the Olive Lane site is the worst.

“We’ve seen the park’s surface ripped up, repaired, and then immediately ripped up again, it’s cost thousands.

“CCTV should hopefully help solve the problem.”

The camera will provide a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

A camera was put up at the park in 2016 on a lamppost but was vandalised ‘almost instantly’.

Cllr Roy Davies, Darwen Town Council Mayor, is delighted cameras are finally set to be put back in place in a more secure location.

He said: “For years there has been calls to put cameras up there. It’s fantastic news for the good people who use the park.

“It will make the nursery a more safe and secure place, as well as helping to stop anti-social behaviour.”

Numerous incidents and damage have been reported to police and the council over the past year.

One swing was replaced by Blackburn with Darwen Council and playground flooring has also been ripped up by youths on several occasions costing the council hundreds of pounds to repair.

Cllr Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s environment boss, said: “The park is subject to vandalism constantly.

“Young kids use it during the day and then on a night older children come and ruin it, it’s ridiculous. I welcome anything that is being brought in to provide surveillance, it’s great news.”

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said: “CCTV is going up in the area next week following a number of complaints about damage to the park.”