A FIRM of developers today insisted it was doing all it could to curb rock-throwing youths close to Blackburn's new B&Q store.

In November it was claimed lives were at risk as shops and cars were pelted by vandals hurling stones from a car park wall.

The superstore's car park, off Bolton Road, is supported by a wall built with timber and trays of loose stones, which have also been used to damage nearby businesses.

The sites developers, along with the police, council and B&Q staff were urged to help before the danger worsened but today Ahmed Lunat, who runs Bolton Road Secondhand Shop, said nothing had changed.

He said the windscreen of a car parked outside Enterprise Ltd was smashed in the early hours last Sunday.

But Adam Bradey, of developers Henry Boot, said the firm was working with Blackburn with Darwen Council and the site owners, Foreign and Colonial (F&Q Asset Management Plc), to alter the wall.

Mr Bradey explained: "Although the wall was built in line with planning permission, I am meeting with F&Q this week, and then the council when we have decided on plans. We are aware of some isolated incidents but are all doing our best to rectify the situation."

But Mr Lunat said: "The rocks are free ammunition for anyone and it needs sorting. My shutters have been used as target practice."

He praised the police and said they were the only ones who appeared to show an interest.

And Phil Rostron, owner of the building for Enterprise Ltd, said the B&Q car park was now a no-go zone as people feared returning to a damaged car.

And Adam Scott, the council's director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods, added: "Our planning officers have met with the architects and asked for changes to be made to the landscaped area, taking into consideration the concerns of nearby traders."