POLICE and firefighters are teaming up with the council for a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Blackburn.

A campaign launched this week by Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership will target the Roe Lee area, as part of the borough's multi-agency Beatsweep initiative.

As well as the police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Blackburn with Darwen Council, the week-long operation will involve the Probation Service and Twin Valley Homes.

The local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out high visibility patrols offering crime prevention information, the fire service will be conducting fire safety checks and representatives from Twin Valley Homes will be providing advice to residents.

The Community Payback Team from the Probation Service will be helping to clean up the area and members of the council will be focusing on graffiti, rubbish removal and the improvement of street lighting.

Police will also be offering Smartwater to residents, a harmless liquid that contains a unique DNA detected using UV lighting which helps trace stolen property.

Beatsweep was launched in the borough last spring and similar operations have been carried out in Whitebirk, Bank Top, and Lynwood in Darwen.

The areas are often selected following feedback from residents at PACT meetings about issues in their communities.

Community beat manager for Roe Lee and Brownhill, PC Steve Maggs, said the campaign was designed to improve conditions for residents.

He added: "Beatsweep is all about tackling the problems which matter most to our communities.

"The campaign is an excellent opportunity for local people and other organisations to work together to make a real difference.

"We want residents to know that we listen to their concerns and are taking action to address them.

"This is just the start of a much wider campaign, which will help us get to the real root of the problems existing in our neighbourhoods.

"I hope that it sends out a strong message, particularly to those intent on causing trouble, that we will not tolerate nuisance and disorder in Blackburn.

"I urge residents who are concerned about crime or anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood to contact police on 0845 125 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Alternatively they are invited to come along to the next police and community together (PACT) meeting, details of which can be found using the postcode search facility on www.lancashire.police.uk."