JUVENILE nuisance takes up up to 40 per cent of a police officer's time - so Burnley division is fighting back with the appointment of a youth liaison expert.

PC Ken Inkle, who has been stationed in Padiham for six years, is already a familiar face to many youngsters in the Briercliffe and Harle Syke areas being chairman and founder of Borrowdale United Football Club, which boasts 11 teams.

He is also chairman of Barden Community Association and chairman of Hyndburn and District Football League.

Ken has been transferred to Burnley for the temporary four month contract and, if it is successful, the liaison officer post could become permanent.

He said: "The age group of 13 to 19 is a difficult one; growing up, getting to know right from wrong, exams, then employment, relationships, early pregnancies. "These problems affect teenagers and members of the community and can lead to conflict with the police.

"The problem has been recognised at our end because up to 40 per cent of a police officer's time is spent on juvenile nuisance.

"I have been appointed as a link between officialdom and the teenagers. I need to try to break up street gangs which terrorise the community.

"I need the help of parents and want them to ask themselves if they know where their children are and if they care what they are up to.

"I want to form partnerships with any person or group who I may be able to help, such as youth and community groups, high schools and neighbourhood watches.

"Most of all I want to form partnerships with the young people themselves and would like teenagers to contact me, either by phone or by writing to me at the station if they have problems or to explain what they want."

PC Inkle's direct line is 01282 472183.

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