THE mother of twins who were given an anti-social behaviour order for terrorising neighbours is set to launch an appeal.

Residents were overjoyed after district judge Peter Ward imposed an ASBO on Ashleigh and Katie Lynch at Reedley Magistrates' Court.

But the twins' mother Sheila, a former nurse at Burnley General Hospital, said she had received no support in dealing with her tearaway girls, who a medical expert said suffer from Asperger's Syndrome The girls, both aged 20, have been barred from mis-behaving in Waterfoot after abusing and threatening neighbours, on the Edgeside estate, and told they must not be drunk in a public place.

ASBO proceedings were taken out by Lancashire Police and supported by Rossendale housing landlord Greenvale Homes and statements from residents.

Sheila said: "We have had police and Greenvale Homes here at every court hearing for the last nine months. But I have had not had any support before all this. They have got an anti-social behaviour officer but he has never spoken to me about the girls.

"They are doing really well now and want to put all this behind them."

But she confirmed that she was considering appealing against the ASBO, which will last for the next two years.

The twins' solicitor Simon Harrison had urged the court not to impose the order, as the girls' impulsive behaviour will leave them liable to breach it.

The court heard that the twins had not offended, apart from one violent episode for which Katie was convicted, in the nine months since an interim ASBO was imposed last May.

Dr Hildegard Schakel, a consultant psychiatrist, said: "The ASBO would not have any impact on their behaviour.

"It is a different approach to their condition that has impacted on their behaviour. Their mothers has been trying to find appropriate support for the girls for years for their behavioural difficulties.

"But it has only become available since these court proceedings took place. I think that is the key thing."

But the district judge ruled that the order should be put in place to protect nearby residents and he was sure the girls could understand the order's implications.

Mr Ward said any breaches would be brought back to court and magistrates could consider the matter afresh, including offering additional help to the girls if required.

Ashleigh and Katie are now working for a dress hire firm in Rossendale and are studying information technology at Rossendale and Accrington College. The girls are also getting help for their drink problems from advice group Early Break and their mother has switched jobs, from being a hospital to GP nurse, to offer extra support.