THE police and council workers are rallying round after an elderly woman claimed she was living in fear of being broken into.

The 69-year-old grandmother who lives in Andrew Street, Preston, says she is afraid because she lives in a crime-ridden area, her neighbour has recently been burgled, prostitutes and drug-takers hang around nearby, and her home is not sufficiently secure.

Lilian Christian said: "My neighbour next door had his his front door kicked in by three women last month and they took all his pension money.

"I get really frightened because I hear lots of noises in the night."

But after The Citizen contacted the relevant authorities, they launched into action.

Superintendant Irene Curtis, operations manager for the Preston division, said he would send someone to see her as soon as possible.

He said the local area beat officer, Police Constable Ben Clancy, focuses particularly on the problem with prostitutes. He said: "It's obviously disappointing to hear that Mrs Christian has got problems with them as well -- we will get PC Clancy to visit her as soon a he comes on duty."

And the council said they would be sending inspectors to see if she is all right and if there is anything they can do for her.

Spokesman for Preston Borough Council, Stephen Parkinson, said: "Mrs Christian lost her keys on October 24 and the council were round to her house that day to fit new locks. It shows that we view a pensioner on her own a priority."

He added that burglaries in the area had reduced by 30 per cent in the last six months due to the council's Preston Care and Repair Scheme.