A GROUP of Darwen residents have formed an action group amid fears their street could be over-run with young delinquents.

An 11-strong group, from Blackburn Road, were alarmed to receive a letter saying a planning application for a private children's home for four 16 to 18-year-olds had been made.

Despite seeking more information about the nature of the home, they claim Blackburn with Darwen Council has been unable to give them answers.

Now they fear the occupants could be young offenders who would increase crime levels in the area. A petition is planned against the proposal.

Ian Gillibrand, who lives next door to the proposed site, led unhappy residents in a meeting on Wednesday in which they formed the Hollins Grove Action Group.

Mr Gillibrand, 44, a greetings card illustrator, said: "We simply can't find out any more information about the nature of residents who will live here. We don't know if they're young offenders, and if so, what grade of offenders.

"Are they going to be children from out of the borough?

"This house is on a very busy main road which could be of danger to the residents. We have a high level of juvenile crime in the area, which these youngsters could find themselves sucked into.

"We also have insufficient parking on the street so any staff or case workers would find it difficult to park.

"But the worst problem is the lack of information. If people would give us answers, it might allay some of our fears." The group plans to write letters of objection to the council and to MP Janet Anderson seeking support.

Blackburn with Darwen director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods Adam Scott said the council had requested more information about the plans for the house from the owner.

He said: "An application has been received for a change of use and the council has written to the applicant for more information. "Letters have also been sent out to residents and site notices have been displayed.

"When we receive a reply from the applicant it will be made available to anyone who wishes to inspect it, but until then it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Last month, plans by a social worker to open a children's home for four teenage boys in Whitehall Terrace, Darwen, were criticised by residents.