YOUNGSTERS causing a nuisance in the Scott Park area of Burnley will come to face to face with teachers and police 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.

Sergeant 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 on Friday night we will be going down there with school teachers, youth workers, local councillors and, more importantly, officers on foot.

"We are looking at reassuring people that something is being done."

It is hoped that if teachers get involved they can do what they can to prevent such behaviour during school hours and local councillors can push for more funding for activities for teenagers to keep them off the streets.

Sgt Fleming said there had been a problem for a number of years and drinking was one of the main causes. Off licences in the area have been visited by police who have warned about selling alcohol to teenagers.

Sgt Fleming said: "We are aware they are drinking so we are stepping up visits to off licences to remind them of their responsibilities. We are aware that it has been disruptive to the quality of life of people surrounding the park."

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.

Sgt Fleming said: "We have got to find a balance between the quality of life for residents and the needs of teenagers. Our first step is to assess the extent of the problem and find longer term solutions. Perhaps put a youth shelter together or get the children to participate in organised activities."