USED syringes, needles and condoms and a catalogue of crime have led residents to petition Burnley Council for the closure of a footpath.

They claim the link between Peebles Grove and Bristol Street is used by people who commit vandalism and cause a nuisance.

Their list of complaints includes litter, dog faeces, used condoms, used syringes and needles thrown into the back garden in which a three-year-old plays and gangs of youths creating disturbances.

They say the path is used as an escape route by criminals responsible for dozens of thefts, burglaries and vandalism on Peebles Grove.

Now members of the Planning and Environment Committee have agreed to begin legal procedures for the closure of the path. The petition was organised by Jason and Nina Steel whose young son plays in the garden where the used syringes and needles were found.

Mr Steel told the council they were concerned for his safety and that numerous neighbours had complained about the footpath before asking for its closure.

In a letter with the petition he said previous complaints had not been taken seriously, adding: "This is a very serious matter indeed. Enough is enough.''

The petitioners said the path was not necessary as there were alternative routes using the lit and therefore safer main roads.

They added: "It is a simple equation. Mis-use of the footpath is to such a gross extent that it should result in its closure.''

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.