A CAR park which has become notorious for youths causing a nuisance has been targeted by Leyland police in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

The Special Constabulary, Leyland police, councillors, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and local residents descended on the car park near to the McDonald's fast food outlet, on Golden Hill Lane, as part of the ongoing scheme Operation Cruiser.

The car park has caused concern in the town as young people have been congregating there and driving at cars at high speed around it.

McDonald's put a barrier on the car park but it is currently not in operation.

At a checkpoint set up by VOSA at the nearby Farington Business Park, more than 20 vehicles were looked at to make sure they were roadworthy.

Two cars were impounded because they were found to be in a dangerous condition and another two were placed under prohibition orders after tinting on the front windows was deemed too dark for legal levels.

PC Steve Gallery, who took part in the operation, said: "It was a very successful operation and we were pleased with its outcome.

"One resident got the opportunity to speak directly to some of the drivers at the checkpoint and tell them how their presence on the car park affects her life."

Howard Gore, leader of the council, said: "I think it's important to remember that most young people are law abiding and don't cause any trouble in Leyland."

He added there were a few who do make people's lives a misery and new powers given to councils by the Home Secretary would help.

"I'm keen to see if there are clamp downs on unruly behaviour and general yobbishness," he said.

A spokesperson for McDonald's said: "We are working with the police and have had a series of meeting with them in an attempt to stop the behaviour. We had a barrier in place which unfortunately is not working at the moment and have appealed to the landlord a number of times to repair it."