TERRIFIED elderly residents are calling on the council to step up security following an arson attack earlier this week on warden controlled flats in Great Lever.

Yobs set fire to wheelie bins and then pushed them to the back of the flats in Lever Edge Lane.

Seven pensioners had be rescued by firefighters and two managed to escape on their own.

Kathleen Atherton, 64, who lives in a flat in nearby Rufford Drive says the incident has horrified neighbours.

"I've been here for ten years and we've had burning wheelie bins before. But now they've started tying the bins to the back door and we're all terrified."

According to Kathleen her block of flats was targetted by the yobs on the night of the arson attack. "They tied a wheelie bin to the back door and threw a firework in it. Fortunately, there was a lot of wet paper in it and the firework didn't go off. But I dread to think what could have happened if that hadn't been the case,"

Kathleen and her neighbours say they have spoken of their fears to the council: "But they just dismiss us by telling us it's all in hand," she complained.

A spokesperson for the council's housing department, said: "We are aware of the problems and are looking at a number of security improvements such as fencing off the bins and a special clothes drying area."

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