5:50pm Thursday 9th September 2010
By Tom Moseley
RESIDENTS are trying to raise the money for a CCTV camera after claiming a churchyard was being blighted by yobs.
They said needles had to be cleared from the grounds of St Peter’s Church, off Church Terrace, Darwen, on Sunday mornings before services.
Mattresses were also left in the area, which has been branded a fly-tipping hot-spot.
Now people in the area are fighting back, and after forming a residents’ association have secured alley gates and £250 towards the cost of CCTV.
On Wednesday night, Joseph Street resident Mark Westall asked Darwen Town Council to contribute the final £250, which would secure the post to which the police have agreed to add a camera.
A formal funding bid will be submitted to a future meeting of the council.
Mr Westall said things had improved in the area in recent months, but more had to be done.
He said: “We need the camera to tackle anti-social behaviour, especially in the churchyard.
“Some children have found needles, and one of the duties for the Rector on a Sunday morning is picking up the needles.
“It is being tackled, but we are still getting the fly-tipping.”
The Rev Andrew Holliday, of St Peter’s Church, said: “Needles have been dropped, and we have had problems in the past.
“There is always a challenge, and out of that challenge come signs of community spirit and valuing one another.”
Ward councillor Tony Melia has offered to help the residents secure the final £250.
He said: “Twelve months ago they had real problems, and there are still elements of anti-social behaviour.
“People are drinking on the streets, and a camera will be a good deterrent.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/trade_directory/