A CRACKDOWN on vandalism and criminal damage has been launched in the heart of a Rossendale town.

Bacup town centre has been flagged up as a priority for police and council officers after a series of anti-social behaviour issues were reported by residents.

Union Street and Temple Court have become a haven for nuisance behaviour as youths congregate behind the old Market Hotel.

Sgt Nick Stratton, of Bacup police, said: “The land behind the hotel has contained a half-demolished wall, which has supplied youths with ready ammunition with which to cause problems.

“Renovation work had also been ongoing at the hotel, which appears to have ceased, and rubble had been left behind temporary fencing, adding to the difficulties.

“The fire service had also reported a suspicious blaze behind the hotel and the police now intend to work with the borough council’s community safety team to address the issue.”

A clean up operation is being planned by the police and council workers in a bid to clean up the grot spots.

Residents raised the issue at a recent police and communities together meeting which triggered the local authorities’ response.

Emily Taylor, 34, of Fernville Terrace, shops in the town centre around three times a week.

She said: “The main streets in the town centre are kept clean but the smaller streets behind the Market Hotel and the Co-op attract youngsters after the shops close.

“I think the only way to stop youngsters from damaging windows and walls is to increase the number of police in the area during the evenings.

“I think the response by the police is a good idea.”

Sgt Stratton said: “We need to get to the bottom of this and we are taking a real multi-agency approach, between ourselves, the fire services and the council.”