IN the past year a lot has been done to tackle the problem of large numbers of drunken teenagers causing havoc on our streets especially at evenings and weekends.

Increasing numbers of under-17s have been prosecuted for drinking under age and being drunk and trading standards have also gone after off-licences, pubs and nightclubs where youngsters have been freely served with alcohol.

Binge drinking among the young is not a problem confined to East Lancashire but a disturbing trend which is helping to keep police and ambulance crews at full stretch on Friday and Saturday nights in towns and cities across the country.

The charity Alcohol Concern says that police patrols and use of Anti Social Behaviour Orders can cut down the amount of disorder but a big change in attitudes is needed to put a stop to children being able to buy drink in the first place.

Those doing the selling need to know they will seriously risk losing their livelihood if caught.

While there might be an element of bravado in the answers given by teenagers, it is shocking that nearly half the 14-17 year-olds surveyed in Blackburn with Darwen said they buy alcohol for themselves.

Until this situation is dealt with it is difficult to see how extended pub opening hours will do anything but make matters worse.