A COUNCILLOR has come to the aid of residents battling vandalism and anti-social behaviour issues.

Complaints have been raised by people around Bold Street and Stanley Street in Accrington that cars had been damaged by a group of teenagers.

Cllr Joyce Plummer, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, came out to speak to residents about the issue and helped collect more information.

She also spoke with police about the issue, which is a problem occurring frequently on weekends.

Police confirmed they have attended the scene and are investigating the incidents.

Cllr Plummer said: “On Saturday evening I was disturbed by banging noises outside, I went out to see a number of residents in Bold Street and a large number of youths age range 13-16.

“It transpired they had damaged a number of cars on Bold Street.

“I spoke to some of the residents whose vehicles had been damaged, mainly to the wing mirrors, and a gate at the top of Bold Street.

“They had been damaged by them kicking it.

“It poses the question yet again what checks are the parents doing on their children out after midnight?

“These gangs are hanging around most weekends drinking and causing a problem.”

Cllr Plummer, who represents the Peel ward, also said there was a police presence and three youths were taken home to their parents by officers.

The following day she also spoke to more residents in the area about what had happened, which included further issues in Stanley Street.

It was also reported the youths had been spotted kicking roller blinds on a local shop, screaming they wanted cigarettes.

Concerns were also raised about small fires being started in the Coppice area on weekends resulting in the fire service being called.

Cllr Plummer met police to tell them what she knew about the incidents.

Staff at Accrington neighbourhood policing team confirmed they were looking into the incident in Bold Street and hope to find those responsible.

Sergeant Charlotte Alldritt said: “We are investigating the incident and looking at CCTV from around the area.

“There was a handful of vehicles that were damaged.

“It was a group of young people knocking the wing mirrors off cars.

“Currently no arrests have been made but we are continuing to work hard to catch the culprits.”

Anyone with any information should contact 101.