MOUNTED police have this week been patrolling the Norfolk Grove housing estate in Church to provide a high-visibility presence in the troubled area.

The move follows a number of police operations and drug raids on the crime-ridden estate in response to complaints from terrified residents who begged them to take action.

Sergeant Bob Eaton, from Accrington Police, said: "We have been working closely with Hyndburn Homes and hope to address some of the long-term issues on Norfolk Grove.

"We have done a lot of good work on the estate in the last few months. We have had successes but we do realise that there's still work to do. If anybody has any more concerns they should contact Lisa Evans on 353103 and we will take action."

But residents who have stood up to troublemakers on the estate feel let down by Hyndburn Homes, which they say has failed to act on their behalf.

They say complaints have been ignored or dismissed, leaving residents in the firing line from problem neighbours.

An irate father living on Norfolk Grove said: "Hyndburn Homes haven't proved themselves and they haven't listened to our complaints about some people living on the estate who continuously break their tenancy agreements through their behaviour, cause a nuisance and harass other residents."

And a young mother said: "Hyndburn Homes should do more to sort out problems and clean up the area. The kids' play area is always full of broken glass and litter so my children can't play out. And there's always graffiti on the walls. The whole place looks a mess."

A spokesman from Hyndburn Homes said: "We are working closely with the police and other agencies to combat this problem. Police officers and Hyndburn Homes staff have formally interviewed parents of a group of youths responsible for causing nuisance and anti-social behaviour on and around Norfolk Grove.

"As a result of these interviews seven acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs) have been signed by the parents and their children. More people are being interviewed and further contracts will be signed soon.

"In addition to the ABCs, notices of seeking possession have been served on four tenants on Norfolk Grove for causing nuisance to neighbours. Unfortunately very few people will give us the reliable evidence we need to take further action because of fear of reprisals.

"The relationship between Hyndburn Homes and the police is good and improving all the time with the emphasis on partnership, liaison and joint meetings.

"Hyndburn Homes is shortly to appoint dedicated staff to work on anti-social behaviour. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we are doing all we can to deal with it."