A RESIDENT in Leyland is so concerned that his town is becoming a no-go area after dark, he wants to set up a 'teenage forum' to sort the problem out.

Sean Bradbury, of Balcarres Road, Leyland, says he is fed up of seeing gangs of bored youngsters turning to vandalism and under-age drinking.

His decision follows at an area committee meeting in Moss Side recently when police were called after a number of teenagers staged a protest at the lack of facilities for young people. Then last weekend a woman in her mid-fifties was attacked and severely injured in the face while in her back garden.

Mr Bradbury said: "There is absolutely nowhere for the kids to go. As a result of that, they are drinking and terrorising us.

"I want to bring in the local MP, the police, and councillors to sit down with the residents and youngsters, and decide once and for all what action will be taken.

"There are incidents every evening in the areas of Balcarres Road, Canberra Road and Crawford Avenue where there are a lot of elderly people who are too frightened to come out after eight o'clock.

"There should be more facilities for kids in the area such as discos, sports halls or ramps for skateboarding and BMX bikes.

"And we need police patrolling the streets -- they never come near. But what can police officers do with what little resources they have."

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson said: "We share residents' concerns about this problem.

"Youngsters need somewhere to socialise. We seriously need to look at providing facilities for these youngsters."