A COUNCIL has banned using noise devices designed to stop youngsters congregating.

The mosquito devices, which emit an annoying high-pitched noise only the youths can hear, had been fitted at a public building in Chorley and at Springfield Primary School, Earby.

But county leader Hazel Harding said the device was against their human rights and discriminatory. They will now be removed.

Police had also installed them in New Bank Road, Blackburn, and a skate park at Great Harwood.

The £600 ultrasonic device had been heralded as a unique way to prevent anti-social behaviour.

But Coun Harding said: "We are against the use of mosquitoes' as they assume all teenagers in the vicinity are behaving anti-socially.

"For us to support their use would send out completely the wrong message about the county council's attitude towards young people.

"We have been advised that using these devices could be in breach of an individual's human rights as they prevent freedom of assembly and impact on the right to respect for private and family life.The simple fact is that if these devices singled out any other group in society there would be an enormous outcry.

"Young people do not have the same strength of representation as other groups and rely on organisations like Lancashire County Council to protect them when their rights are threatened."

She said concern about mosquitos had prompted the county council to form the policy on them.

And a resolution passed by the cabinet this week means they will no longer be used on any property owned or leased by the county council.

Lancashire Locals will also be unable to buy the devices with Local Grant Scheme funds.

The move was backed by Coun David Whipp, from the West Craven ward in Pendle which covers Springfield Primary.

He said: "This is a technological quick-fix which will not have any long-term benefits in dealing with the problem.

"This is something which would drive a wedge between young people, who are in danger of slipping into anti-social behaviour, and adults."