DRUG-crazed gangs of youths who have wreaked havoc in a quiet residential area could soon be under lock and key.

For several months, people living in Hillcrest Road and Tower Road in Pleasington have been driven to despair by the hooligans - who hold high-speed car chases on nearby Pleasington Playing Fields.

During the late-night disturbances the gangs take part in noisy high-speed motoring antics, with headlights on main beam and horns sounded. On several occasions they have raced into the cemetery grounds. Anyone who intervenes is verbally abused.

But the predominantly elderly neighbourhood has had enough and now residents are calling on Blackburn Council to lock the playing field gates.

One resident, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "These gangs are terrifying. They race around the playing fields and make as much noise as possible.

"There are a lot of elderly folk around here, particularly in the nursing home opposite, and this chaos is going on until the early hours.

"The morning after people are finding cigarette papers, tin foil and clear plastic bags on the playing fields. It is obvious drugs are involved."

Tom Wilson, Blackburn's head of outdoor amenities, agreed. He said: "The youths causing this disturbance are undoubtedly high on alcohol or illegal drugs because of the manic way they behave.

"Not only are they a disturbance, but they are ruining football and cricket pitches with their cars. Police have been called on several occasions but the gangs always return."

He added: "We are trying to find a way of locking the gates every night but the we don't have sufficient staff. One option is if local residents look after the key and make sure the gate is locked each night but we have to consider their safety. All possibilities are being investigated."

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