A MEETING is to be held to try and end youths running rampage at a Colne playground.

Residents living close to the play area in Cragg Street, have complained for several years about the nuisance caused by youngsters kicking footballs over the high perimeter wall onto cars and windows.

They handed in a petition detailing these problems to the Colne and District Committee last month and the council has arranged a meeting between Eaves Brook Housing Association, which is responsible for the area, residents and the police on Tuesday, June 19, at 11am.

Coun Gill Gillespy has made it her responsibility to get something done about the situation after listening to the problems residents have had, particularly Derek Ormerod who lives directly opposite the play area.

She said: "The situation has become far more serious recently. The lamp post on the corner of the street is now broken again for the second time which is a cost to us as tax payers.

"I actually stood and watched one night and the lads came out of the play area and into the municipal car park, now Linden House, and kicked the ball up to see how high it would go irrespective of whether they were damaging buildings. On its way it gathers momentum and bounces off cars parked there. It's beyond a joke.

"The problem's not going to just improve and the children aren't just coming from that area." Lisa Chadwick, Derek Ormerod's niece, spoke on his behalf at this month's Colne and District Committee meeting.

She said: "We have done everything now but get solicitors involved. My uncle can't enjoy himself when he goes on holiday because he is worried as to what he will be coming back to. You try to protect your property and all you get back is verbal abuse.

"One Saturday afternoon we were having a party at Mr Ormerod's house when we heard a thud on the window. It was so loud we thought a stone had come through and it turned out to be a very hard little rubber ball. It caused the whole atmosphere of the day to come to an end."

Members of the Colne Committee agreed that inquiries should be made to make sure Eaves Brook Housing Association have met the planning conditions required of them.

Coun Alan Davies spoke out about the situation despite having declared an interest in the matter, living in that area, and said: "When you know about a situation you are banned from speaking on it and it's absolutely stupid.

"I have seen people kicking the ball deliberately and have seen the situation which directly affects Mr Ormerod's property. It's an intolerable situation."