RESIDENTS want a footpath shut after it has become a hot spot for vandalism and teenage nuisance.

The call for closure has come from bosses at Birch Hall Apartments, off Blackburn Road, Darwen, whose tenants have various learning disabilities.

Alan Robinson Greig from Progress Group, which runs the apartments, said: "All of our tenants are a target for various abuse from the local youths.

"They are continually under threat from verbal abuse, antagonistic behaviour and damage to their property."

It is hoped that by closing the secluded path, which can attract large numbers of youngsters, vandalism in the area will drop.

The path runs to a new housing estate in St Bede's Park. It is behind Birch Hall Apartments, which face on to Birch Hall Avenue.

Mr Robinson Greig said there had been nuisance problems since 1999 when the Progress Group set up the care home.

The issue will be discussed by Blackburn with Darwen planning committee next week and a period of consultation will take place before any final decision is made.

Bosses from Birch Hall Apartments, along with staff from the nearby Southern Cross Nursing Home have already met with the council. Experts are currently checking title deeds to the land to confirm the ownership of the path.

Claire Cowell, 33, a resident at Birch Hall Apartments for five years said: "Kids are always knocking on windows, throwing eggs and oil, motorbikes drive through and there's cans and rubbish all over the place.

"You can't settle down at night because people come and shout abuse at all times. They use it as a short-cut from the main road to the housing estates and at night kids congregate. It's got worse since more new houses have been built.

"We're vulnerable people who live here and it makes us feel unsafe."

Another resident, who wrote to the council said: "We have had kids jumping on the wall, throwing bottles and threatening us."

Another said: "There are always children knocking on the door and then running off, and the language is terrible."

Coun Trevor Maxfield, who represents Earcroft ward, said: "I am aware of the problem and it goes before planning on Tuesday.

"Hopefully shutting this path off will solve the problem but we will have to wait and see.

"It's quite unusual for the council to shut a path like this."