New security fencing is set to be installed at Clayton Community Centre in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour which residents say has plagued the area for years.
The fencing will be erected at the rear of the Pickup Street facility after funding was secured from Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner and Hyndburn Borough Council.
Local police say the area around the community centre and boxing club has been a hotspot for nuisance behaviour for some time, prompting repeated complaints from residents.
Veteran neighbourhood constable Paul Pountain, who has worked in the town for two decades, said: "This area has been an antisocial behaviour hotspot for decades and it is fantastic that a long-term solution has now been found."
PCSO Emilee Dewhurst said concerns about anti-social behaviour had regularly been raised by residents through the Lancashire Talking engagement platform and during police patrols.
She said: "Many have mentioned anti-social behaviour around the boxing club and so the Neighbourhood Policing Team have worked closely with our partners to find a long-term solution.
"The new fencing will help protect the building and surrounding area, making it more difficult for antisocial behaviour and low-level criminal behaviour to take place.
"This is a great example of how local agencies and the community can work together to deliver positive improvements."
The scheme has been developed through a partnership involving local residents, neighbourhood policing teams, Hyndburn Leisure and ward councillors, with work expected to begin in mid-September.
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Clayton Community Centre has become an increasingly important community hub in recent years after being transferred to Hyndburn Leisure.
The facility has benefited from more than £250,000 of external investment, including grants from Sport England, the Lancashire Environmental Fund and the Government's Community Ownership Fund.
It is now home to a range of community groups, activities and Clayton Amateur Boxing Club.
The amateur boxing club itself works with dozens of young people each week and relocated to the community centre as part of wider investment in the site.
Club representatives have previously said the move would allow them to expand their activities and provide more opportunities for local children and young people.
Cllr Melissa Fisher said securing the funding would help protect a well-used local asset. She said: "I am pleased that funding has been secured for this important project.
"Clayton Community Centre is a well-used community asset, and it is important that we take steps to protect it for everyone who uses it.
"Thank you to all the partners involved, particularly our local policing team, residents and Hyndburn Leisure, for their persistence in helping to bring this scheme forward."
Hyndburn Leisure is overseeing the works and has appointed Church-based contractor Pilkington Bros to carry out the installation.
A spokesperson for the organisation said: "We are delighted to be supporting this project and coordinating the installation of the fencing.
"By working alongside local partners and contractors, we can help ensure the community centre remains a safe, welcoming and valued facility for local residents."
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