A BACUP councillor is calling on the Rossendale Borough Council to take immediate action in a bid to block drug dealers getting into a cemetery.

Coun Christine Lamb successfully lobbied for the cemetery gates in Cemetery Road to be locked at night three years ago - and is now asking for the same to happen again.

She said drug dealing in Bacup's cemetery is just one of many problems arising on the grounds on a regular occurrence.

Residents in the Farholme area of Stacksteads said youngsters are also gathering there and causing nuisance in the evenings.

Coun Lamb said: "I have received complaints about groups of youngsters hanging around in the cemetery. There has also been complaints about drug dealing in the cemetery.

"Residents are saying that they have seen cars entering the cemetery in the evenings for the purpose of selling drugs, which people are obviously upset about, and are not happy about the situation.

"Residents have informed the police who have promised to take appropriate action."

She added: "There has been some graffiti and some of the children are playing football. Adults are using the top field to practise golf.

"The cemetery is not the place for games. It can be very upsetting for some people when they visit their loved one's grave and people are playing games.

"Stacksteads recreation ground is only a few yards away - this is the place for playing games.

"A few years ago residents complained about cars and motorbikes racing round the cemetery in the evenings.

"Council officers set up a scheme with residents of Brunswick Terrace who agreed to lock and unlock them in the morning. I am going to make inquiries to see if such a scheme could be set up again."