RESIDENTS in a troubled area of Rossendale have won a battle to stop a stairwell leading to flats being used as a drug den.

Discarded dirty needles and drugs equipment sparked safety fears among parents when they were discovered underneath the stairwell of the Tong Lane flats in Whitworth.

Parents in the community raised the alarm just a few weeks ago and with the help of Whitworth's community safety officer Heidi Kirkbright, swift action was taken and the stairwell is being blocked off.

Residents have since been working alongside police and council officials to rid the area of the drugs problem.

Community engagement sergeant Dave Alexander said: "Residents have had a number of problems in the Tong Lane flats area, especially underneath the stairwell which has been used as a drugs den.

"People have been injecting themselves and then needles have been left strewn all over the place along with other drugs paraphernalia.

"This has caused a great deal of concern for many parents in the area.

"Their fears were that children could have come into contact with what could be seen as potentially very dangerous items."

He added: "Thankfully, the work that has been done by Heidi Kirkbright, in conjunction with the local residents and Rossendale Borough Council's neighbourhood office, has helped solve this problem.

"The council is currently working to block the stairwell off so it cannot be used. The residents are over the moon as it will dramatically help improve their quality of life.

"This case highlights what can be achieved when agencies and residents work together."