SHOPKEEPERS in Hapton are being reminded not to sell fireworks or drink to under age youngsters after complaints from residents in the village about anti-social behaviour.

The warning comes after large groups of youths started congregating in the village and the residents complained to the police that they felt intimidated.

Police in Pennine Division recently launched a campaign aimed at curbing the misuse of fireworks in the run up to Bonfire Night.

A spokesman for the Lancashire Constabulary said: "Officers throughout Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale have been visiting shops selling fireworks to remind them of their responsibilities as well as targeting premises suspected of selling fireworks to underage youngsters. We have also done test purchases in some areas but Hapton is not normally seen as a hot spot."

They have also distributed posters in trouble spots warning youngsters of the dangers of misusing fireworks as well as mounting high visibility patrols to reassure local residents.

Susan Johnson, owner of Hapton sub post office said: "There's always a lot of trouble in the village centre outside the church. I don't live right in the centre but I can here the fireworks going off from my house in Lyndale Road.

"There are gangs of youths who hang around outside the post office once it gets to 5pm, which can be frightening, and the following morning there are always lots of beer cans outside.

"I have to clear them all away before I can open up."

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of fireworks or alcohol in Hapton should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.