FED up residents are being urged to help police tackle young yobs creating a nuisance in Hyndburn.

Large numbers of youths meeting at Union Road, Rowan Avenue, and Trinity Street, are causing problems for residents by drinking on the streets, disturbing residents, loitering and littering.

Last weekend, a large amount of alcohol was taken from youths at Rhyddings Park bowling green.

Police are approaching individuals in a bid to combat bad behaviour with threats of Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), or escorting offenders home.

Action is already underway in Church, Milnshaw and Laneside in Accrington, with police issuing warnings to bickering neighbours and yobs at Church's Cornwall Place. Problems at Rowan Avenue and Trinity Street are also being dealt with.

PC Lisa Evans said: "Unfortunately, we're struggling to get the names of youths responsible. I urge residents to keep logging incidents, with descriptions of those responsible. Local councillors, housing authorities and community wardens are planning a joint approach."

She said police recently chased and arrested a youth at Haywood Road, Accrington, thanks to a speedy telephone call from a resident and, together with colleague PC Mick Walsh, she recently dispersed a large crowd of drunken youths at Highams playing fields, who had littered the area with smashed wine bottles and drink cans. Youths gathering at Thorneyholme Road, Accrington, have been taken home by police to their parents, or had police letters sent home. However, police are still experiencing some setbacks, so stronger court action is planned. In Oswaldtwistle, police attempts to impose a voluntary code of conduct on one youth have been rejected, so legal enforcement action is now being sought.