A POLICE sergeant today told young thugs terrorising streets to forget plans to bring new facilities to their area -- until they start behaving.

Talks about providing organised recreational activities for youths in the Spring Hill area of Accrington have been put on hold until the teenagers rectify their behaviour.

In recent weeks, officers have received numerous complaints from residents in the Fairfield Street, Spring Street and George Street areas.

In the last week, five 15 and 16-year-olds were arrested for offences including criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

Sergeant Bob Eaton, of Accrington police, is working with the borough's community beat managers and the council to resolve matters.

He said recent incidents included criminal damage, elderly people being snowballed, youths running over parked cars, knocking on windows and smashing every window in the community centre in Fairfield Street.

He said an anti-social behaviour order placed on Aaron Stoddard, who has since left the area, sent a message to other youths that delinquent behaviour will not be tolerated.

Magistrates ordered that Aaron, 15, should be named and shamed after a two-year reign of terror in the Spring Hill area and Church.

Sgt Eaton said police were now looking at long and short term strategies to resolve the problem. He said: "These will involve community beat managers and, when resources are available, an uncompromising application of the law as was seen last weekend."

Police met with youths to discuss what could be arranged to keep them off the streets as they complained they had nothing to do. Initially they suggested a 'nightclub' where they could play music.

Sgt Eaton contacted organisations including local football and rugby clubs to look at organised activities as well as trying to find a venue.

Today he said: "We are not interested in excuses about being bored. If there is evidence of wrong doing then silly little boys trying to act tough will end up getting their collars felt.

"In the mean time if the parents of any of the teenagers involved will feel public spirited enough to try and actually do something about their offspring's behaviour then that would be more than appreciated by the other residents of Spring Hill.

"We have offered projects for youths in the past but if they want the carrots they are going to have to tow the line.

"If and when we get an improvement in behaviour we might look at actually trying to do something for them in conjunction with our regular partners including Hyndburn Borough Council."

Ward councillor Pam Barton said: "We will not tolerate this problem. About three quarters of the youths in Spring Hill are fine. But the others are ruining it for everyone else."