ANGRY residents are fighting plans designed to take youngsters off the streets.

But the Baxenden residents who are objecting to plans for a children's sports facility were today told: "Give the youngsters a chance."

Part of a recreation ground on Hollins Lane, near the technology college, could soon be turned into an all weather area for children, complete with lighting.

The proposal was put forward by councillors who wanted to give the teenagers something to do, and stop them hanging around street corners.

But people living nearby are angry at the proposals and have held meetings against the plans, even distributing flyers.

A Baxenden councillor has urged the locals to see if the plans can work.

Coun John Griffiths said: "Kids have got nothing at the moment. Let's try and give them something, and give them a chance. There are some good young people out there and I think we have got to look after them. That is what we intend to do.

"If there are any causing problems they will be dealt with."

The plans, which look set to be agreed by the council's planning committee next week, could see a 'multi-use games area,' and two eight-metre lighting columns on the recreation ground.

The ground is yards away from the front of houses in Hollins Lane, and backs on to allotments containing animals as well as plants.

Access will be open to all, and the ground will be marked out for a variety of sports, but the lights will be turned off at 9.30pm each night. The facility will cost about £35,000 to complete. So far organisers have raised £25,000, and are hoping to finance the rest from Government grants.

Residents who object to the plans say they will bring with them noise and vandalism, an 'undesirable' element, and problems from the floodlights.

One Hollins Lane resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It makes old people a little bit scared. We have had vandalism done to the cars, and to the gardens.

It's difficult, and we know it will get increasingly worse if they are on there.

"We haven't any children round here to use it, so why should we put up with other people's?"