A SECOND police dispersal order is in force for an East Lancashire town, it has emerged, amid concerns of unruly youths.

Neighbourhood police in Hyndburn have confirmed an order has been drafted for Pickup Street and Barnes Square, in Clayton-le-Moors, and surrounding roads.

Similar provisions have been put in place for the centre of Darwen - though these restrictions were publicised in advance and not five hours after they came into being.

The order for Clayton will remain in place until 6pm on Sunday and gives police the power to 'move on' troublemakers congregating around the old library.

Last night two 11-year-olds were returned home to their parents after breaching the terms of the order.

A police spokesman said: "Over the last month there have been a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour behind the old library in Clayton-le-Moors.

"Incidents include playing loud music in the early hours, using illegal substances and setting off fireworks.

"This dispersal order gives the police the power to exclude people from the identified area which includes the full length of Pickup Street.

"This is also to prevent youths who live outside the area congregating outside the Co-op and on Barnes Square which has also occurred recently.

"Ultimately this is to prevent groups causing members of the public in the locality harassment, alarm or distress."

Cllr Tim O'Kane, a former borough mayor who represents Clayton on Hyndburn Council, has supported the police action.