EXTRA police patrols will be monitoring the M65 services site in Darwen at weekends after staff admitted they were fearful of going to work because of gangs of youths.

During the past four months juvenile nuisance at the complex has increased, and staff at Le Petit Four cafe, McDonald's, and Somerfield, are having to deal with gangs of up to 20 teenagers in the evenings, and at weekends.

An emergency meeting was held almost two months ago when police vowed to crack down on the trouble, but employees are still having to face youths kicking footballs around the premises, throwing chairs, intimidating staff and customers, and climbing on to the roof.

Darwen police today vowed to put in place a high-visibility presence at the services, starting this weekend, and said they hoped recent arrests of juveniles in connection with separate incidents would reduce the trouble.

Sergeant Mark Thackeray-Scott said: "We arrested a couple of youths on separate incidents and they have been bailed out of the area. We believe they were part of the gang hanging around the services so, hopefully, that may reduce some of the problem.

"The entrance into McDonald's has been cordoned off, so people are made to go through the main entrance. A lot of staff, especially at McDonald's, are young and feel intimidated.

"We have also provided photographs of youths known to us so, if anyone sees them in the building, they can contact us with a name."

Inspector Andrea Bradbury said: "We are working in partnership with employers at the services site to increase their own security measures, and we will take positive action against any offenders. We will also be maintaining a strong police presence."

Virginia Lee, assistant manager at Le Petit Four, said: "Last weekend there was a gang of about 25 16 and 17-year-olds causing trouble. The security guard has been targeted by them, and custom is down because people don't want to eat here because of the trouble. It can be very intimidating.

"The young girl I work with said it is getting frightening because we've seen them picking up chairs and throwing them. It's terrible. Something needs to be done."