AGGRESSIVE begging and drug-related incidents in a town centre has seen police launch a crack-down on anti-social behaviour.

Police said they are looking into reports of begging and people under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Blackburn’s town centre.

Anti-social behaviour is centred around King William Street and Northgate, which is seen a key regeneration area for the town.

Concerns have been raised by shopkeepers, businesses, Blackburn with Darwen Council and people visiting the town centre.

Blackburn’s neighbourhood policing team said it will be conducting an operation over the next couple of weeks in a bid to tackle the issue

Blackburn town centre Sgt Mick Johnson said: “The operation will see increased foot patrols and more officers on the streets.

“Complaints have come from partner agencies such as the council and shops, as well as the general public.

“Anti-social behaviour has seen reports of aggressive begging, drunk and drugged people under the influence of a substance.

“You do get a lot of groups gathering which isn’t pleasant for families and young children.”

Sgt Johnson said the crackdown has seen a 25-year-old man arrested yesterday (Friday) for possessing spice.

Two other people have also been arrested recently for dealing spice in the town centre.

He added: “We hope that the operation can address the problem of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.”

Borough regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said the council have made a request to police calling for them to step up patrols.

Northgate in particular has seen the opening of several bars and restaurants and Cllr Riley he was concerned at the impact anti-social behaviour would have.

He said: "We are spending a lot money that part of the town and it's not fair for new businesses or visitors if there is aggressive begging and other anti-social behaviour.

"This is why we've requested that patrols be stepped up."

Harriet Roberts, Blackburn BID Manager said there has been a rise in reported cases of anti-social behaviour and high street homelessness across the UK’s towns and cities.

She said: “The Blackburn BID are very happy to see that the Community Safety Partnership, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the Police are taking action to deal with a small minority who have been causing a nuisance in a specific areas of our own town centre.’