COUNCIL tenants who claim they are being harassed by children have asked for fences around their sheltered accommodation.

Twenty residents of Cambridge House, Darwen, claim local children are causing a nuisance and committing burglary.

One recent incident involved children throwing a 'water balloon' at a tenant's window, Blackburn housing committee were told last night.

Councillors were told police are not aware of a high incidence of nuisance or burglary, and are not required to attend on a regular basis. A report from council officers says the open plan design of the scheme does not lend itself to additional fencing, and the layout and access to surrounding properties makes fencing impractical.

Construction costs would also be high.

The report recommends asking the area housing manager to liaise with police.

Letters will also be sent to residents in the immediate area, asking them to respect the privacy of tenants in the sheltered block, and reminding them that the open spaces there are for the use of residents only.

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