A children’s home in Rossendale could be closed down by police using anti-social behaviour legislation.

Police said that they were investigating whether their powers could be used to shut Brighton House, in Millar Barn Lane, Waterfoot, after a spate of complaints against the home’s residents.

Rossendale Council has already refused retrospective planning permission by care providers New Beginnings to continue using the site but the firm still has a right to appeal against the decision.

An appeal would allow Brighton House, which caters for young people who have behavioural and social problems from across the country, to carry on trading.

Chief Insp Jeff Brown, head of Rossendale police division, said: “This home is still causing problems and we are looking at anti-social behaviour legislation with a view to closing it down.

“We have a responsibility to the public.”

He told the council’s planning committee meeting that the police had been called out 123 times to incidents involving Brighton House residents since it opened in July 2008.

One of the worst offenders there had been arrested 11 times since November, and another was detained on 16 occasions since July.

Coun Jim Pilling, ward councillor, said: “Since the home opened, the number of incidents responded to by police and the fire service has rocketed. It is affecting people’s quality of life.”

Nearby traders have also complained of a campaign of intimidation and vandalism, following the home’s arrival in the village.

A Rossendale council spokesman said that an appeal had not been lodged against the decision but New Beginnings were still able to act.

New Beginnings were unavailable for comment but have previously denied they had been informed by police about behaviour problems associated with their residents.