ANTI-social behaviour problems in an East Lancs town centre have sparked a debate on police, parents and night time youth provisions.

Incidents have included youths refusing to leave Barnoldswick Civic Hall at night and an elderly person’s door being ‘kicked-in’, councillors in Pendle heard, amid frustrations with the 999 and 101 systems.

Police say action is being taken but parents need to be involved too - and councillors may need to think about creating facilities for young people.

Resident Phil Parris told a West Craven area committee meeting: “I was at the Civic Hall for brass band rehearsals last week. Six youths came in towards the end and went into the ballroom.  I asked if they had any reason to be there and they said no. They refused to leave.

“I said I was going to ring the police and dialled 999. But then I got a message saying that line was for life-or-death services and I should not be ringing 999 for things like that.

“I told the operator I was at Barnoldswick Civic Hall. The person on the other end of the line then said did I have a postcode? Strangely enough, I didn’t have the postcode. This conversation went on for a while and the call-taker said they were sorry but they didn’t know Barnoldswick.

“I thought surely they must be able to find Barnoldswick Civic Hall, on Station Road, in Barnoldswick?”

Police inspector Claire Pearson said: “Firstly, I’m really sorry you found yourself in that situation. It’s not nice and it’s not the type of behaviour you should put up with.

“Regarding the incident, we have spoken to some local people who have identified these youngsters and we have dealt with them."

She told the committee 999 number was for emergencies - and 101 for non-emergencies. She said the operator should have been able to locate the hall with mapping tools.

Tory Cllr Jenny Purcell said: “I’ve had a number of emails and messages from residents about a set of  youths who this gentleman has encountered. They are wandering the streets, upsetting people.  It’s been going on for 12 months.

“There are elderly people who are frightened of going out. Another woman is frightened to go out because they kicked-in her door. A lot of people are frightened.

Insp Pearson added: "I know Barnoldswick has a problem with anti-social behaviour and two groups have been responsible. It takes time to identify them.  But people need to report incidents. We really need reports and information, such as descriptions of clothing they are wearing.

“Barnoldswick anti-social behaviour is a priority. In February, we had 46 reports in the Barnoldswick and Earby area. This month it was 28. It’s going down, which is fantastic. I know reporting can be a problem but it is going down."

She confirmed the provision of youth facilities was being addressed with Pendle Council.

The town had a youth centre until it was closed due to county council cutbacks in 2016.

Cllr David Whipp added: "I think this committee should press Lancashire County Council to provide a youth facility for Barnoldswick and Earby.

"The facilities might not appeal to everyone. But some young people may just want somewhere to hang-out with their mates. The sooner something opens, the better.”