Mrs Tracy Hopkinson, of Reed Street Residents' Association, told Burnley Council's Executive Committee of the desperate problems encountered by neighbours in the Burnley Wood street.

Reed Street was originally earmarked for demolition under the Elevate plan but was spared after meetings with residents, but now the street has become over-run with drug dealers and other criminals.

Mrs Hopkinson said: "Reed Street was originally part of the Neighbourhood Action Plan for demolition but is now scheduled to be left standing with no plans for refurbishment even.

"We feel the street will become like a warzone – we already have drug dealers, users and bad landlords who are ruining the area. It is common knowledge that criminals live in houses owned by landlords who just don't care.

"There are used syringes on the street and houses being used as drug dens, which is totally outrageous. Please help the decent, law-abiding homeowners who are trying to live peaceful lives in Reed Street. We are just asking for a decent standard of living."

Burnley Council leader Coun. Gordon Birtwistle told Mrs Hopkinson and her neighbours there would be "no quick fix".

He said: "I was in Burnley Wood this morning and we are doing a lot of work there. Ward Coun. Karen Heseltine is doing a lot to get the streets cleaned up, but rubbish is dumped as soon as it's cleared.

"Regarding the decision not to demolish Reed Street, we had a public meeting at St Stephen's Church where the majority of residents said they wanted it to stay.

"However, we will look further at the problems, but there are no short-term answers. Burnley is one of five towns in the country to licence our landlords. We have done this in Trinity ward and now are waiting from the Government to allow us to expand it to other areas."