A LONG-running attempt to keep out ‘problem’ neighbours on a Burnley estate has been thwarted.

For several years people living in the Oslo Road, Drammen Avenue and Stockholm Street area, off Accrington Road, have campaigned for increased security.

They claim intruders from the nearby Griffin estate have repeatedly targeted their homes and cars.

Proposals for an alleygating scheme, limiting access behind the properties, proved to be unsuccessful.

This prompted new plans by David Pickering, of Drammen Avenue, to erect a two-metre security fence around the streets.

The neighbours also expressed concerns about a number of derelict garages at the top of their mini-estate, which contains a mixture of privately-owned bungalows and semis.

Originally the application was rejected by Burnley Council, last July, on the grounds it would create a ‘barrier’ between the two estates and cut across a public right of way.

Now the residents’ hopes have been dashed again after planning inspector Richard Watson threw out an appeal by Mr Pickering against the borough’s decision.

Mr Watson said: “The barrier would provide some form of security in making access between the two residential areas less convenient.

“However, I am not convinced that it would prove to be completely effective in resolving the problems as it would not necessarily deter people who are fully determined to cause criminal acts against property.

“To my mind it would be a rather blunt instrument in attempting to address a complex problem.”