ANTISOCIAL behaviour by the young is a growing problem in East Lancashire and across the country as vandalism and juvenile nuisance increases.

The wanton daubing and destruction suffered by street furniture, bus shelters, unmanned railway stations, public buildings and parks is a blight on the landscape and a cost to all of us.

It's also downright dangerous when things put up to ensure our safety are wrecked by teenagers who can find nothing better to do.

Today we hear that in one area of Hyndburn alone juvenile nuisance has risen by 400% in 12 months - an increase blamed on the attraction of demolition work in Huncoat where there was said to be little for young people to do.

"Unfortunately the demolition work has proved interesting for the young people as a lot of the properties still had people's possessions inside them, " said youth worker Sharron Connery.

A youth cafe and information centre are being developed to give teenagers in the area a meeting place and focal point.

While provision of such facilities might remove any lingering excuse for unacceptable behaviour, responsibility doesn't just rest with local authorities.

As Huncoat ward councillor Dave Parkins says: "Parents also need to remember that they have a responsibility . . .and should check where their children are."

They should also take appropriate action like the fathers of two of four teenagers who carried out a knifepoint robbery on an Accrington grocer's store.

Burnley Crown Court heard how the four teenagers - aged between 13 and 17 - were convicted after their fathers confronted two of them over rumours of their involvement and handed them over to police.

The sensible actions of these parents in a very difficult situation should put their sons back the right road by teaching them that crime does not pay.

It's a pity more parents fail to grab their responsibilities by the scruff of the neck in the same way.