RESIDENTS have called for an archway leading to a back street to be gated to prevent anti-social behaviour.

At a meeting of the Oswaldtwistle area council, people living in Commercial Street complained that back street was being used by people drinking and taking drugs.

It was also a dumping ground for litter.

One resident said: "The back street was going to be gated, but it appears the plug has been pulled on that plan. Someone has to come up and see what can be done."

Council leader Councillor Peter Britcliffe agreed that there were problems with anti-social behaviour with this and two other similar archways leading to back streets in the town, in John Street and Roe Greave Road.

He told residents that were "great legal difficulties" in gating the archways.

But speaking after the meeting he said something had to be done to alleviate the problems.

He said: "The council is prepared to look and see whether gating would be possible.

"The problem is that these archways make a natural shelter for people.

"But nobody wants that near their home.

"It is a very difficult issue to solve."