ANGRY homeowners broke down in tears last week as they described how rowdy youths are forcing them to become prisoners in their own homes.

More than 100 people packed into Cambridge Street Methodist Church, Accrington, to try and find an answer to the growing problem of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Representatives from the Peel and Huncoat Neighbourhood Policing Teams were present along with Councillors Graham Jones, Paul Gott and Dave Parkins.

One woman of Manor Street said she was at the end of her tether. Choking back tears, she recalled how she was kept awake all night by youths as young as 10 riding up and down her street on mini moto bikes.

She said: "I am 67 and have to water my plants at 7pm and then hurry inside because I am scared what will happen to me.

"When the young ones finally go home after hours of screeching, the older ones come out and throw eggs at our homes. I have had to ask my doctor for sleeping tablets as I can’t go on like this."

Huncoat Police community support officer Paul Crossland told the emotional crowd that in the two days before the meeting, two well-known troublemakers had had their bikes confiscated and crushed.

Some residents blamed the police for allowing the problem to escalate and said that moving the youths on would only result in moving the problem elsewhere.

Peel PCSO Marc Brookes said: "Recently the Peel team has been down to just half capacity which is making it very difficult for us to tackle every issue.

"Of late we have been concentrating on closing the Bold Street off-icence where a lot of these youths bought their alcohol from.

"There is only so much we can do especially in regard to children under 10 who cannot take legal responsibility. Often when we take young children home drunk, their parents are either just as drunk or simply not bothered. These parents need to take responsibility for their children’s behaviour."

One resident suggested: "Parents who couldn’t care less what their children are up to should be reported to social services and face having their children taken away."

It was suggested that diversionary tactics such as opening a youth club would help to reduce the trouble on the streets.

Councillor Jones said: "Setting up a youth club worked really well in Huncoat and reduced their problems. If we can cut the size of the gangs and identify the ringleaders we will be halving the problem."

PCSO Brookes said: "If you see anything happening we need to know about it. The more you tell us, the more evidence we will be able to take to our bosses to prove the area needs more attention and resources."

Residents are asked to report incidents by calling 0845 1 25 35 45.

At Thursday’s meeting residents complained about:

  • Children as young as nine in the streets until the early hours on mini motos.
  • Teenagers gathering in large groups to drink in the streets.
  • Youths having sex in the back streets and leaving used condoms in the streets.
  • Children climbing over garden walls and damaging plants and garden furniture.
  • Children drinking underage and getting older friends and relatives to buy alcohol for them.
  • Cars being vandalised.

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