A TWO-DAY dispersal order was imposed by Ribble Valley Police in Longridge amid concerns over out-of-town troublemakers and drug dealing.

Police patrols were given the power to remove people suspected of carrying out anti-social activities in a broad triangle between Berry Lane, Derby Road and the B5269.

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Borough and town councillors had been calling for action over the behaviour of visitors from across East Lancashire.

And the restriction, which can result in arrest for those not found to be co-operating, was brought in from Friday night until Sunday night.

Cllr Ken Hind, who represents the town’s Dilworth ward, said: “We have had some considerable problems with young people across the town, ranging from criminal damage to abuse and we have been talking to the police about it for some time.

“We have also been attracting people from outside of Longridge, who are coming into the town on Friday and Saturday nights, who have unfortunately been causing problems.”

The issue has not been assisted by the temporary closure of the youth centre, located in the old fire station building on Berry Lane, under the wider reorganisation of services by Lancashire County Council, according to Cllr Hind.

Plans are also being progressed to roll out CCTV coverage in Ribble Valley, already operational in the centres of Clitheroe and Whalley, to Longridge, in a bid to tackle the problems.

“The message we want to get out is don’t come to Longridge to cause trouble, we’ll be watching you,” said Cllr Hind.

A Ribble Valley Police spokesman said: “We believe this is required to support the local community, who have informed us on numerous occasions that they have had enough of anti-social behaviour in Longridge.”