MURDERS, violent assaults and mindless acts of vandalism are destroying the once idyllic and peaceful village of Poulton-le-Fylde according to local residents who live in fear.

Nearly 100 turned out at a public meeting to voice their concerns about the town's expanding night-life and rowdy behaviour.

The meeting which was organised by Hilton Dawson, MP for Lancaster and Wyre, was also attended by the leader of Wyre Borough Council Pat Catlow, chief executive Michael Brown and Poulton police inspector Phil Anderton.

Worried residents told town chiefs of the nightmare vision that Poulton transforms into at night and the vandalism and disorderly behaviour that stems from people leaving the late night venues in the centre. Some told stories of being harassed on their routes home.

Other people called for a reduction in the number of establishments with late night licences but everyone who spoke wanted to see much more attention given to the problems from all those concerned including police, local authority, magistrates and licensees.

John Pickering, a Poulton resident who attended the meeting, said: "The malaise of Poulton is the late night drinking which is encouraging the wrong kind of people here and much unwanted disorderly late night behaviour.

"The licensing of pubs is quite adequate as it is for most Poulton residents and doesn't need to be extended further."

One resident of Prudy Hill in Poulton who contacted The Citizen said: "An incident occurs virtually every Friday and Saturday night either at the top of the street or down the street as revellers leave The Residence Nightclub.

"I have seen people urinate in our gardens, throw full glasses of beer and engage in violent assaults, all of which is very disturbing and frightening for the residents who are often too fearful to intervene themselves and unsure of the appropriate way of reporting it to the police."

Stephanie Carpenter from Blackpool, whose boyfriend Ashton Jarvis died after a night out at The Residence, said of Poulton: "I never thought that something like that could happen there. I thought Poulton was safer than Blackpool for a night out and went there for that reason, but I am not convinced now."

Insp Anderton said: "Poulton is a different town centre than it used to be years ago and draws far larger crowds than it used to do. However, the actual number of reported incidents of violence and disorder hasn't risen since last year. We haven't recruited any extra officers but there are planning issues and issues of licensing which I believe need to be addressed which we have no control over."

After the meeting Hilton Dawson MP said: "Personally, I'd like to see Poulton have an exciting, classy and vibrant nightlife distinct from the amenities of larger towns. Unfortunately there is a strong perception that public safety has suffered because of recent developments and the descriptions given of threatening behaviour, vandalism and and anti-social activities were completely unacceptable.

"One important point made at the meeting was that part of the solution may be in the hands of local people. For instance, the objections of residents can be a powerful influence upon the decisions of licensing bodies."