YOUNGSTERS causing a nuisance in the Scott Park area of Burnley came face to face with teachers and police last night in a move to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Police patrols have been stepped up after neighbours complained about regular noise and damage caused by a group of teenagers hanging about in the evenings and at weekends.

In an operation similar to Operation Flock, which has run in other areas of Burnley and Pendle, police will keep an eye on the youths and will be accompanied on some visits by school teachers, local councillors and youth workers.

PS Dave Fleming, of Burnley police, said: "We had a police community forum last week and one of the burning issues was the problems in Scott Park. We have identified with park rangers and residents that there are problems with juveniles drinking and causing damage.

"We have already stepped up patrols in that area.

"But last night we went down there with school teachers, youth workers, local councillors and, more importantly, officers on foot.

"It was a great success. Lots of people were reassured by our presence there and we spoke to several juveniles.

"It's something we will be doing every weekend from now."

Problems at the park have included graffiti and damage to plants and shrubs, youths gathering in gangs and causing a noise nuisance as well as allegations of fireworks being thrown.