RESIDENTS of Burnley's Brunshaw estate could be the next to stage a protest march at lack of policing.

The warning was given at a public meeting in Padiham where 100 residents confronted police chiefs over the night-time closure of the town's police station and increased violence and vandalism.

Independent councillor Andrew Holder told Pennine Division boss Chief Superintendent Mike Griffin that there were problems in Brunshaw as well as Padiham.

"We are going to march on Burnley police station,'' he said.

Outside the meeting, Coun Holder said the problem in Brunshaw was caused by a group of 30-40 youths of both sexes, aged from 14 and above, who congregated in the Brunshaw Avenue area.

Coun Holder said he regarded it as more than a juvenile nuisance problem.

He said: "They are idiots who drink and then discard the cans and bottles and then use the areas around the houses and shops as a toilet. We have even had excreta daubed on the walls.

"One woman's garden was attacked. Gnomes and ornaments were smashed and plants ripped up.

"All sorts is going on but the police are slow to respond. They tell you they have deployed someone to the scene but when they get there the trouble makers have gone.''

Coun Holder said: "I feel solidarity with the people of Padiham who have held a protest march and attended tonight's meeting.

"There are no firm plans for a march on Burnley police station but it is something which could happen.

"We want action taken about what is happening in Brunshaw.''

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