POULTON residents are fighting back against absentee landlords and bad tenants who, they say, are making their lives a misery.

Crime became so bad that a private security firm was called in to crack down on crime in the area.

A petition with more than 1,000 signatures has been handed to local councillor Mark Turner, demanding the demolition of buildings in the Poulton Road and Oxford Street area.

Local people claim that vandalism, noise and a growing number of drug users in the area is making their lives a misery.

One resident, Pat Gamble said: "I have lived in Oxford Street for 45 years and I have seen it go from a respectable street. These houses are really slums. We have just had enough.

"They should demolish these buildings and build fisherman's cottages, like the ones further down the street, for older people.

"You don't see people in their 50s and 60s throwing stones or taking drugs do you?

"This could be a lovely area. It is close to the sea, the shops and all the local amenities. It is being ruined by bad landlords and bad tenants."

Neighbour, Steve Tyson added: "I spent £300 on telephone calls to different local councillors and politicians, but Mark Turner is the only one who has done anything."

The area is due to be part of Lancaster City Council's long planned Poulton Regeneration project, and councillors are keen to ensure that long term improvements are made, not just to the buildings, but also to

Cllr Turner said: "The time for words has stopped and the time for action has begun."