A LEISURE centre where staff were trapped when a gang of youths placed the premises under seige is the latest edition to a radio security scheme.

Padiham Leisure Centre has been included in the community initiative which operates a direct, 24-hour link from the town to the police day and night.

The leisure centre was invited to join the scheme because of recent problems after staff reported up to 30 youths outside the premises damaging vehicles and forcing staff to lock themselves in the premises last month.

There is a police investigation into why police officers failed to attend the incident despite being called several times.

Sgt Martin Hall, from Padiham police station, said: "The leisure centre has experienced a number of incidents of juvenile nuisance recently and one in particular left staff at the centre very concerned.

"We are currently looking into that incident but in the meantime officers at Padiham are very keen to find ways of reducing the likelihood of such an incident happening again.

"Including Padiham Leisure Centre in the community radio scheme is just one of the things we will be doing to tackle the juvenile nuisance problem.

"We will also be stepping up patrols in the area and keeping an eye out for problem youths."

Park with Hapton ward Coun Granville Lord, who brought the incident in February to the media's attention, welcomed the development.

He said: "Any improvement must be welcomed but I do feel it is not enough. I spoke to Burnley's MP Peter Pike who is now dealing with the matter." Coun Lord said Mr Pike was trying to arrange a meeting with the police and councillors but he was concerned that a meeting would not solve the problem.

He said: "I feel totally let down at the moment."