A SHOPKEEPER has thanked police after four yobs were convicted of terrorising his Blackburn store.

Tarsem Singh, 40, who runs the Spar shop in Rothesay Road, Shadsworth, said the past two years had been a ‘nightmare’.

He said gangs of up to 20 youngsters had been congregating outside the shop and intimidating customers.

On Thursday, a 14-year-old who racially abused and harassed staff was given a restraining order.

It followed action against two brothers, Paul and David Stafford, who were given two year Anti Social Behaviour Orders for causing nuisance and disorder in the area.

And 18-year-old Jessie Volkert was last month jailed for 12 weeks for racially aggravated public order and harassment against members of staff at the shop.

Mr Singh, said: “I am extremely grateful for the police support in tacking this issue.

“There have been some real problems here and I know some people, particularly elderly people, have been scared to come in.

“The leaders of this whole gang have now been convicted and there has already been an improvement in things.

“Kids were hanging around, being abusive and even chasing shoppers away.”

PC Louise Briggs and Eastern Division’s Community Cohesion Unit conducted a huge investigation into problems at the shop.

She said: “Mr Singh’s shop is a vital part of the Shadsworth community providing often vulnerable and elderly residents with access to everyday essentials.

“I find it very sad that minority of local youths have seen fit to behave in such a disgraceful manner to Mr Singh and his members of staff. We will continue to work closely with Mr Singh to stamp out this type of behaviour.

“However, it is also the responsibility of the residents of Shadsworth to work with the police and protect a vital service within the community.”

Anyone with information or concerns about racial abuse or anti social behaviour in their neighbourhood can contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 0845 125 3545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.