RESIDENTS fed-up with anti-social behaviour are set to buy their own CCTV camera to cut crime.

Following on from a successful scheme in the area around Entwistle Street, Darwen, the St Peter’s Residents Association have raised £1,000 to pay for the security system.

With cash-strapped councils and police not having the funds available, chairman Mark Westall, 48, from Joseph Street and the group collected the cash for a camera from a number of sources.

Mr Westall said that since a camera went up in Entwistle Street, drunken yobs had all but disappeared from around St Peter’s Church.

Now, residents in nearby Green Street East and South Street have followed their lead and hope to erect a second CCTV camera in their neighbourhood.

And they’ve been backed by Darwen Academy who have contributed to the pot.

Mr Westall said: “This is definitely an example of the ‘big society’ idea.

"We’ve got a group of around 20-30 residents that come to meetings.

“We had major concerns over anti-social behaviour which was a big factor in the association setting up.

"We felt there was no point doing anything nice in the area unless we tackled this issue.

“After we’d raised £500, the local neighbourhood board met us half-way and we chose which spot we’d like for the camera.

“It keeps an eye on the church and the whole of Entwistle Street.

"It turns 360 degrees and is monitored by the police.

“Since it went up, the problems we had with youths drinking and being abusive to residents have gone. "It’s been such a success that people from other streets have come to us and asked us to help with a similar scheme.”

Darwen town centre community beat manager PC Mark Edwards said: “It is great to see the community pulling together to fund the CCTV cameras and it is having the desired effect on improving the area, security and strengthening relations.

“Any CCTV is a deterrent and also helps secure evidence for us should any incident occur.

“It has been positive in an area where historically there have been anti-social behaviour issues.

“It has had a massive effect and a second camera will certainly help identify offenders.”