ANGRY residents met with police and council chiefs to blast: "We can't live with the youth menace on our streets."

At a packed public meeting last night, Audley residents urged authorities to tackle problems that have seen officers called to the area almost 150 times this year.

A 100-name petition added weight to the campaign to combat what they claim were "animals" ruining the area. And Blackburn with Darwen Council leader. Coun Kate Hollern. said she was shocked by what she heard at Furthergate Working Men's Club, Cherry Street.

She said she wanted to help and demanded action after police revealed it had attended 142 calls in Audley this year.

She added: "I wouldn't want to live like that and I'm not interested who is to blame, it just needs to stop.

"I felt the meeting had gone well and I think we will be able to work together to make a difference."

Mrs Hollern said the council and other services would meet regularly to bring a change. And Inspector Steve Haworth added: "This is a matter of concern and we are keeping a very close eye on the situation."

Lincoln House, a supported lodging home for care leavers aged 16-25 in Lincoln Close, was highlighted as part of the problem. And although it only houses five youths at a time, residents felt it attracted other troublemakers.

But practice manager of the limited company, Amjad Shah, denied teenagers and young adults were to blame. He said: "I have grown up around here and it has never been trouble-free. To say they are the main cause of all the trouble is not fair."

But residents said police admitted the vandalism had worsened since Lincoln House opened in November 2003.

John Winter, 70, of Temple Drive said: "Youths in this area are making people scared to open their doors at night. They are abusive and cause absolute mayhem.

"They are making it a horrible place to live."

His wife Margaret, 67, added: "We have a grandchild who is only seven and she has seen this behaviour and it scares her. The youth around here need putting in their place to stop ruining our neighbourhood."

Another resident, Mohammed Sadiq, 64, of Lincoln Close, who owns a business in the area, said :"I want this to stop. I have lost money because of them and the damage they have done, not to mention the damage they are doing to community spirit."