POLICE are threatening action if parents fail to stop their children cauing a nuisance in Springfield Street and Alice Street, Darwen.

Residents have complained about youngsters playing football and damaging property and cars, and now area beat officer PC Gary Henshall has said it must stop.

He wrote to the parents: "I have received a number of complaints from residents referring to juvenile nuisance in the street.

"It is requested that you advise children and visiting children of the dangers of playing football in the road and that it can damage people's property.

"If the complaints continue and damage is caused then formal action will be taken by police."

Tom Goodson, chairman of the Springfield and Alice Street Residents' Association, said: "Hopefully this will work and children will take greater care in the future and make it a better place to live."