RESIDENTS who told a public meeting in Accrington of violence, vandalism and drug and alcohol abuse were told it could take years to improve matters.

Crime and disorder in Hyndburn is fuelled by unemployment, bad parenting and racial prejudice, the Accrington town meeting heard.

Residents discussing a new multi-agency bid to beat crime told the meeting at Accrington Town Hall they were subject to violence and intimidation and were unhappy with the police response.

One man was accused of racism after he blamed problems in Milnshaw Park on gangs of Asians. But Hyndburn Council's chief officer Mike Chambers said different ethnic groups could learn from one another, and a youth worker encouraged the public to support the borough's new crime and disorder strategy.

Mr Chambers said parents' attitudes had to change, and that would take time.

Philip Lynch, of Lupin Close, Accrington, described a catalogue of violence, vandalism and drug use in Milnshaw Park, including:

Stones thrown at him and his wife

People shooting swans with airguns

Youths firing crossbow bolts at his door. Mr Lynch blamed young Asians, who he said were causing the problems and abusing drink and drugs. He said the youths had often abused him after he tried to confront them.

But Helal Uddin, of the Hyndburn Bangladeshi Welfare Association, accused Mr Lynch of being racist and failing to understand that many young Asian men faced problems including unemployment.

Alan Balderstone, secretary of Accrington and District Fishing Club, said his members were too scared to go night fishing at Haggs Lodge off Hyndburn Road because of drug users and drinkers.

Amateur football coach Steve Pilkington slammed irresponsible parents who, he claimed, left children as young as two to play in the street unattended.

Barry Emmett, from Lancashire County Council youth and community service, said Accrington town centre was geared towards a drinking culture which left young people with little to do.

Mr Emmett said cafes, youth centres and alcohol-free nightclub events would give youngsters positive options.

The Hyndburn Crime and Disorder Strategy, launched last month, is a framework document which gets police, councils, community groups and other agencies working together to target crime at its roots.

Topics for discussion at the next public meeting in November include policing and public protection and promoting cultural awareness.

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