By CAROLINE INNES Telegraph Reporter

POLICE have complained after high-security front doors fitted in thousands of homes left them struggling to get in during raids.
Housing company Twin Valley Homes has spent more than £6million to address the security fears of residents.
But the expensive “Rock Doors” are so secure that even the police are struggling to get in. Now bosses at the company, which rents out former council homes on Blackburn and Darwen, has held talks with officers to find alternative methods of entering homes in emergencies.
A police spokesman for Eastern Division said: “Concerns were initially raised with Twin Valleys when the doors were first installed but we are working with them to find alternative methods of entry in emergency situations”.
But he added: “The Operations support Unit and drugs Team, who deal with raids on properties and search warrants, can get into any premises that they need to. They can even get in through windows should the situation arise.”
Twin Valley Homes managing director Kevin Ruth said: “While we appreciate that the police may have some difficulty gaining entry to Twin Valley homes in extreme circumstances, but our first priority is making our tenants feel safe in their homes on a day to day basis.
“We know security is one of our tenants’ top priorities and door security plays an important role in making them feel safe, so to meet their wishes we have invested a significant amount of money to get the best door possible.”

They replaced wooden doors with glass panels after a survey of residents told the housing bosses their concerns over security. Tenants have been able to choose from red, blue, white or light oak colour options which come with a 10-year guarantee and a spy hole 1.5 metres high. They have an impact panel so doors can-not be forced open and a multi-locking system with an internal security door chain.
Andy Tomlinson, chairman of the Independent Tenants’ Federation, said: “Twin Valley Homes pledged to beef up the security of homes when we transferred from council control.
“They kept that promise by fitting these high-spec doors that are really tough.” Resident Jean Macleod, 61, of Whitehaven Close, Blackburn, said: “I feel safer with these new doors"