A YOUTH centre designed to keep troublesome gangs of youths off the streets is nearing completion.

And one Penwortham resident is looking forward to it opening after having the window of her shop broken by youngsters.

Shopkeeper Louise Higgins runs Home Based Carpets, in Leyland Road, Penwortham.

After opening her shop in November last year Louise had a window smashed, and says she has been plagued by gangs of teenagers who congregate near the store.

Louise, of Kingsfold Drive, Penwortham, said: "They have been hanging around for a long time, well before we opened."

She says the gangs use the streets as a meeting place, and often end up drunk and vandalise local buildings.

Louise said: "We were worried because we have quite a lot of windows in the shop., but we didn't expect anything to go through the window

"They've smashed the lights on the pedestrian crossing near here as well and a telephone box. And they're drinking too -- you wouldn't believe how many bottles I have to pick up in the mornings. I've got a seven-year-old boy so I would like to see somewhere for my son to grow up and play."

But a local councillor says by the summer, a youth centre will be open, with special youth workers to give advice to youngsters on everything from health to employment.

Councillor Bill Evans, portfolio holder for community development at South Ribble Borough Council, said: "There is work going on at the moment at the Penwortham Community Centre in Kingsfold Drive. A few years ago the council turned the Kingsfold pub into a community centre. Penwortham town council, South Ribble Borough council and the county council all contributed to turn the back of it into a youth centre."

But Coun Evans admits the area has a problem and hopes the centre will help. He said: "There is quite a lot of work going on in Penwortham, and we get most of our complaints from that area. But it is a problem everywhere -- if somebody found the answer they would make a fortune.

"It is a shame because a lot of these youths aren't there to cause trouble. The youth and community service -- part of the county council -- will have workers at the new centre. The closest at the moment is Lostock Hall."