YOUNGSTERS from the Asian community have been urged not to congregate inside Blackburn's shopping centre.

The call came from Coun Salim Mulla, secretary of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, who said: "The shopping centre is there for shopping. I am not in favour of people hanging around"

The Queen's Park councillor added: "They are looking out for the opposite sex. I would urge them to move on, do their business and then go back home."

His comments follow a row over another group of youths - goths and moshers - who have been congregating in Church Street.

Coun Mulla's call has been echoed by letter writers to the Evening Telegraph responding to the general debate over youths gathering in the heart of the town.

Some community leaders, however, have pointed out that the youths gathering inside the indoor shopping centre are a mix of white and Asian.

Coun Tahir Mahmood, of Audley ward, said: "I don't think it's just an Asian problem or a white problem, it's a mixture of Asian and white.

"I think if it's a nice day kids get together and go to walk around the town centre. But once they are moved on from one place they become a problem elsewhere. I think we have to try and work with the youths."

Coun Mohammed Khan, of Wensley Fold, said it was only people's perceptions that there appeared to be more Asian youths than white youths.

He added: "I don't feel there is a problem in the town centre. There are some Asian youngsters spending their Saturdays there but if they are not fighting or being anti-social then there is no problem.

He added: "If there is a gang of 10 or 12 Asian youngsters in Blackburn Shopping Centre, people feel it is full of Asian youngsters."

Coun Hussain Akhtar, of Shear Brow ward, said he had not received any complaints but wanted to work together with traders to solve any problems.

He said: "We can't stop them from going to the shopping centre, but if there are any complaints we will make things right."

Raymond Goldstone, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said there had been problems in the past with groups congregating in the malls and said he supported the setting-up of a meeting place.

He added: "It's a common thing to happen around shopping centres, with groups of young people going to places such as the Trafford Centre. And we should look to do something about that as well as the 'goths and moshers.'

"Girls are there and young lads are there. I do think there should be somewhere where these people can go sit down and converse. "Many Asian people don't drink alcohol, so perhaps a cafe or somewhere for them to sit down would be good."