RESIDENTS have launched a campaign to "blow away" phone boxes used by prostitutes and drug dealers.

They are set to hold a demonstration against BT, which is refusing to remove the four kiosks in Bromwich Street, The Haulgh, despite a wave of protest.

They are calling the campaign Blow Away the Telephones, and aim to protest by tying balloons to the top of the boxes.

So far the residents have been backed by police, traders and Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South-east.

But the chairman of BT, Sir Christopher Bland, is refusing to relocate the phone boxes, and has been accused by campaigners of putting profits before the safety of the community.

In a concession to the protesters, Sir Christopher has said that two of the kiosks can be moved.

But residents believe it will not stop the other two being used for illicit purposes.

Dozens of people will gather around the boxes next Wednesday at 5pm.

Janet Strong, chairman of The Haulgh Community Partnership, said: "Our campaign is called Blow Away the Telephones. We're not going to use dynamite or anything like that, but we're going to tie helium-filled balloons on to the top of the kiosks. It will be quite a sight."

Residents, backed by Dr Iddon, believe the kiosks are being used to arrange drugs drops and as "offices" by the area's prostitutes. The phone boxes have become a magnet for illegal activities, and a number of young women have been harassed there as a result of the prostitutes' activities.

Mrs Strong said: "BT thinks by keeping these boxes here it is providing a community service, but it's not. It's providing a disservice to the community. They need to be removed."

The Bradford Street end of Bromwich Street has long been blighted by prostitution.

But residents claim the situation has improved thanks to the efforts of The Haulgh Community Partnership, the police and Bolton Council.

The Partnership has collected a 302-name petition calling for the kiosks to be removed.

No-one from BT was available for comment.