RESIDENTS in Rossendale are being made to feel safer in the community thanks to a 6ft high fence designed to deter crime.

The wooden fence which has been dubbed by locals as the "Berlin Wall" was installed a few weeks ago to help prevent undesirables making their way onto the Edgeside Estate.

Dave Hancock, Whitewell ward councillor said: "The fence is in response to what the people have been asking for over three years.

"The common area has caused problems in recent years with undesirables. It was an easy escape route for people committing crime. Now that route has been blocked off which will hopefully make it safer. Residents want better security and this fence aims to provide that."

A police spokesman for Pennine Division said: "We have had a number of reports of criminal activity over recent years in that area. We hope that this fence can help in our fight against crime."