RESIDENTS in East Lancashire have mixed opinions over the announcement online trader Amazon is to explore using drones for home deliveries.

The government will be joining forces with the internet retailer to consider the safe use of the technology to deliver parcels, the first of its kind in the UK.

Some residents believe that the equipment could potentially be invasive and remove interaction.

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Joan Robinson, 83, from Ribchester, said: “I don’t have much of a problem with how things are now.

“I don’t like technology. It’s not as personal. I like to meet people, get to know them and have a chat. Living on my own I can go days without speaking to people.”

Otis Christie, 23, from Blackburn said: “I don’t think that it would work. It’s stupid and impractical. You don’t know where it will land. It could be dangerous.”

However not everyone had a problem with the potential use of the technology, and some see it as an exciting step forward in society despite the potential flaws.

Chris Cook, 22, from Lower Darwen, said: “I think it’s fine, it’s going to happen anyway whether people like it or not. I don’t see any problem with it.”

Michael Ayres, 64, from Sabden said: “Technology is always moving forward and we need to keep up.

“It’s important to remember old people want social interaction, and don’t get to see many people. But even older people do online shopping now. We have got to move forward.”

Amazon has been developing delivery drones as part of its Prime Air initiative and will now work with the Government and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to enhance safety regulations.

Mike Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, views the move as the next step in technological advancement but wants to make sure the North West is involved with the process.

He said: “Technology keeps on advancingand moving forward. It’s a logical extension to home delivery, and in that sense it is sensible.“You can’t stop progress, but you’ve got to be careful. There are social implications people need to be aware of. The North West is not that well progressed in terms of technology in these industries so the government needs to make sure the North West is part of that progress.”