THE problem of under-age drinking in Hyndburn is set to be tackled head-on in a bid to cut juvenile nuisance in the borough.

Worried residents told a meeting of Hyndburn Police and Community Forum that gangs of rowdy youths were buying alcohol and the number of disturbances was going up.

Coun Maurice Cowell, chairman of the forum, called for the introduction of a by-law banning drinking in the street.

Residents complained of gangs of youths drinking in Accrington market and others leaving bottles and cans outside Rishton Methodist Church.

Inspector Bob Ford, of Great Harwood Police, told the meeting that 30 per cent of all calls received by his officers were about juvenile nuisance.

He said: "It's the number one problem in Clayton-le-Moors and it's fuelled by drink and, in some cases, drugs such as cannabis. "We are approaching youths who gather on street corners, trying to educate them about the problems they are causing.

"When we escort them home, it's clear some parents don't give two hoots. They just want their kids out of the house and it's no wonder the children don't want to be at home."

Insp Ford added police were working alongside schools and youth services to tackle the problems and provide more facilities.

Coun Jack Grime called for a crackdown on supermarkets and off-licences selling booze to under-age drinkers.

And Coun Cowell said: "I'm asking for zero tolerance of drinking in the streets.

"It doesn't set the children a good example when people have cans in the town centre."

He added that the issue of banning drinking in the street was set to be discussed at a meeting of council and police chiefs next month.

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