POLICE and town hall bosses have joined forces to launch a new drive against trouble-makers on an East Lancashire housing estate.

The Estate Agreement between agencies in Rossendale will start on Monday. It will affect people living in West View, in Haslingden, and is being developed between Eaves Brook Homes, a Preston-based housing association, residents and public service providers.

The agreement aims to make life a misery for crooks and yobs on the estate - using an information-sharing system to root out bad tenants for eviction.

Lady Joyce Montgomery, chairman of the Manchester-based Harvest Housing Group, which monitors housing associations, said: "Estate Agreements are growing in popularity and are a powerful tool in preventing decline on estates, giving residents a clear sense of who is responsible for aspects of estate life and what they can expect from various service providers."

Inspector Caroline Edwards, of Rawtenstall Police, said: "Monday will involve the signing of the landmark arrangement between Eaves Brook House, Lancashire Police, Rossendale Council and the people of West View who look out for the interests of young people when they come to the area."