Blitz launched on Bacup teen boozers (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blitz launched on Bacup teen boozers

1:00pm Wednesday 16th November 2011 in Bacup By Vanessa Cornall, Reporter

A CRACKDOWN on gangs of booze-fuelled teenagers in Bacup is being launched.

Lancashire Police is joining forces with Lancashire County Council to create the new Community Alcohol Network (CAN) which aims to tackle underage drinking in the town.

The move comes in response to complaints from traders and residents about juvenile nuisance.

Yobs as young as nine went on a wrecking spree in the town in August throwing petrol bombs and smashing up shop windows.

Off-licence staff will be given access to a unique mobile phone number, which will link them directly through to the police, so they can respond quickly to any signs of trouble.

The action forms part of national Alcohol Awareness Week which includes test purchase operations, anti social behaviour patrols and talks to schools and colleges.

Special Constables, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Trading Standards officers will be on patrol across the area seizing alcohol from underage drinkers while ensuring it is being sold responsibly.

Posters will be displayed in shops and pubs across the area and leaflets will be posted through people’s doors.

Jan Meadowcroft, who owns Options hairdressers, in Rochdale Road Bacup, said: “It isn’t that long ago that the windows of my shop were smashed by teenagers.

“I think this is a very positive move for the town and something desperately needed.

“A lot of my customers are too intimidated to walk past big gangs of youths.”

Inspector Judith Finney said: “We are aware of the negative impact underage drinking and anti-social behaviour can have on our communities and I hope this new network helps to improve the quality of life for people living, working and visiting Bacup and the surrounding areas.”

The project, to be launched on Friday, will also see Trading Standards officers speaking to retailers and talking to adults about the consequences of buying alcohol for children.

County Coun Albert Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards at LCC, said: "Underage drinking is a serious problem today, and the North West suffers some of the highest levels of alcohol-related harm in England."