FRIGHTENED residents called a public meeting with police and councillors after a family evicted from a council house moved into their road.

The family, who were evicted from the Green Lane Estate, Blackburn, were the first victims of a high profile nuisance neighbour strategy launched earlier this year.

Now, their new neighbours claim, the family and teenagers, who hang around the private rented home, are bringing chaos to the Hertford Street, Mill Hill area.

After residents told that teenagers who hang around the house are out of control and running riot in the area, police have advised people to keep detailed records of any disturbances or incidents.

The woman and her teenage children were moved out of the Green Lane estate following constant complaints from neighbours.

No adult could be contacted to comment at the partly boarded house, where teenagers are currently staying while their mother is understood to be on honeymoon. People living in Hertford Street say they have been subjected to intimidation, abuse and vandalism from youths who, they claim, patrol the street during the day and night armed with baseball bats and sticks.

One resident said: "Trouble-causers from all over seem to now be attracted to this street. It has got to the stage where people are afraid to go out of their homes at night."

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader and Mill Hill councillor Malcolm Doherty, took part in the meeting at the local community centre along with senior police officers.

He said: "It seems these people were evicted from a council property and have moved into this street. There have been complaints of intimidation, drunken late night parties and abuse and the residents called the meeting.

"The police are hoping to get to grips with this problem, because it seems large groups of young people have been causing a lot of trouble.

"There is little the council can do because this is a private house but the police have advised people to keep detailed notes of what goes on."

Acting Chief Inspector Dale Allen said: "I can confirm that the police attended a public meeting. The public can rest assured that if criminal offences are being committed they will be investigated fully and appropriate action will be taken."

A second meeting is due to be held at Mill Hill community centre on Wednesday.

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