A PENDLE councillor is calling for increased police patrols to combat a spate of vandalism in Nelson caused by drunken youths.

Coun Gary Rowland said he has been inundated with complaints from residents after youths have been congregating in the streets around Nelson Cemetery.

The Marsden Ward councillor believes the small group are then entering the cemetery, drinking alcohol and damaging property and cars in nearby streets on their way home.

He said: "The problem we have is that youths seem to gather in the early evening and then go into the cemetery to have a drink. After a night drinking they go home but in the last few weeks cars have been damaged in Walton Lane."

Now the Labour councillor is to raise the issue when the Nelson Committee meet on Monday, May 10. He will join forces with Coun Dorothy Ormrod to propose a multi-purpose play area be built for the youths somewhere in the ward.

Coun Rowland said residents will be consulted about where to locate the amenity, and asked the younger members of the community to be patient.

He said: "I have asked for this item to be discussed and will be asking for increased police patrols and the Community Safety Partnership to address some of the issues.

"The problem is they have nowhere to go. But in the meantime I would urge the youth of Marsden to have a little more respect for the area. We will get a place for them soon."