A COMMUNITY has launched a petition supporting local traders after a newsagent was charged with assaulting a teenager and breaking his arm outside his shop.

Peter Bretherton, who runs a newsagents on Alder Drive, Hoghton, appeared at Leyland magistrates yesterday and his case was adjourned until January 4.

The adjournment came after the prosecution said they were contemplating changing the assault charge to one of wounding with intent on November 20.

About 400 people have signed a petition with an accompanying letter which lies on the counter of many of the shops near the shop which Mr Bretherton has run with wife Maureen for 13 years.

The letter of support to Mr Bretherton, who looks after his terminally ill father in living quarters above the shop, says Peter and Maureen are "held in very high regard by residents of this area" and asked that "the feelings of the local law abiding community be considered." It begins: "We the residents of Gregson Lane and its surrounding area wish to express our whole-hearted support to the local business owners and all residents who are at present undergoing the stress and intimidation caused by a number of youths within this area -- more especially at this time Peter Bretherton and his wife Maureen who have carried on the business of our local newsagents for some 13 years."