PARENTS hold the key to ending the misery of residents in an old people's home in Darwen, it is claimed.

Drunken teenagers have vandalised Surikha House, on Blackburn Road, and hurled abuse at its residents, some as old as 98. Now Coun Mike Barrett is calling on parents to make a stand and 'get a grip' on their children's behaviour.

He said: "The damage and behaviour taking place around the home is totally unacceptable and it's being done by local children. Clearly the people who know what's going on are the parents and guardians around the area. They should take responsibility for what their kids are doing."

Vandals have destroyed a large section of a wall at Surikha House, left beer cans around the car park and abused residents when they have been in the grounds.

However, manager Kath Fielding said that since the problem was highlighted in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, the area had been quieter.

She said: "It was quiet on Saturday and we managed to clear up some of the rubble from the car park. We've been visited by the police and Coun Barrett and they couldn't have been more helpful. We've got our fingers crossed that things will stay like this but I daresay they may be back before long."

Coun Barrett said similar problems occurred on the Anchor estate in Darwen around three years ago which was overcome through co-operation between residents and police. As a last resort, anti-social behaviour orders were used to impose curfews on persistent young offenders.

He said: "It worked around there and it can work again if people are prepared to stand up against this nuisance."

Community beat officer PC Shelley Hubbard visited the home on Saturday and spoke with Mrs Fielding.

PC Hubbard said police were carrying out more high-visibility patrols and discussing security with staff at the home.

She said: "We are dealing with juvenile behaviour, talking to youths and their parents. If the trouble persists, we will take whatever action is necessary including arrests and youth referrals."