BOROUGH chiefs have promised a new residents’ association that they will look into selective licensing of private landlords and installing alleygates to boost parts of Darwen.

Leader Kate Hollern and neighbourhoods’ boss Yusuf Jan-Virmani made the pledge at the executive board of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Representatives of the Savoy Residents Association went to the meeting to raise concerns about the decline of the area.

Chair Gwen Mitchell, from Argyle Street, asked for the selective licensing scheme already in place nearby in Darwen to be extended to their area crossing the Sudell/Earcroft ward border.

Treasurer Adrian Humphrys asked why the installation of alleygates had stopped at Snape Street and not continued into Cavendish, Argyle and Gillibrand Streets.

Coun Jan-Virmani said the current landlord licensing schemes in Darwen would end in June and would be ‘reviewed to assess its impact.”

He said: “We will consider these results and then decide whether to approve a further scheme in the same area with the same or different boundaries.

“Your request will be considered as part of this process.”

On alleygates, Coun Jan-Virmani said there was clear evidence of the need for them at the rear of Snape Street.

He added: “Adjacent alleys were not gated at that time for two reasons – limited budget and lack of identified need.

“Should this programme continue, due consideration will be given to Cavendish, Argyle and Gill- ibrand Streets.”

Coun Hollern said she would ensure both requests would be properly considered next year, adding that if the residents’ association could find cash towards the gates, the borough would match it.

Mrs Mitchell said: “I moved here in 1989 when it was a lovely area.

“The association was formed in October covering an area of about 300 houses because it has declined to become a bit shabby.

“We need the licensing and alleygates to combat anti-social behaviour, improve the state of some houses and tackle empty properties. I welcome what was promised,”

Sudell Labour councillor and Mayor of Darwen Town Council Eileen Entwistle said: “I shall make sure the executive board honours its promises.”