YOUTHS have been accused of terrorising pensioners at a sheltered accommodation complex in Burnley.

Residents at Woodbine Court, off Padiham Road, said their flats have been pelted with dozens of mud balls.

One 65-year-old man, who did not want to be named, said: "Kids walk through the grounds of the complex to get to nearby playing fields. I don't mind that, but there is a group who are very vindictive to elderly people.

"It's getting to be a sore point and a nuisance for the elderly residents. They dig metal sticks into the ground so the end is filled with mud and then fire it at the building, it is very frightening and dangerous."

Residents have phoned the police, but Inspector Dave Croll said they had not been able to catch the culprits.

"We are aware there is a problem at Woodbine Court. The local police community support officer has been up there and is monitoring the area."

Inspector Croll wants children and parents to help solve the problem.

He said: "I would appeal to any youngsters to consider their actions and the impact they have on the whole community.

"Parents need to be aware when their children are out, where they are and if their behaviour is appropriate.

"A lot of parents may not be aware of what their children are up to and they should be."

A spokesman for Burnley and Padiham Community Housing, who manage the complex, said: "As a responsible landlord, we take the welfare of its residents very seriously.

"The company has a rigorous reporting mechanism in place to deal with such incidents and regularly acts upon reported incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"Residents are advised that they should contact BPCH or the police to report an incident of anti-social behaviour.

"To take action against perpetrators of these crimes, hard evidence is required, and if this is secured then legal action can be taken which regularly resulting in conviction.

"People will have a much greater effect by making careful notes of the dates, times and nature of incidents and forwarding this information to BPCH or the police if they wish to rid themselves of this problem. To help make careful notes we supply diary sheets to tenants, which formalises the information recorded and BPCH is soon to introduce anti-social behaviour incident diaries.

"Burnley and Padiham Community Housing has installed fencing at the site to reduce the access and to form a barrier between Woodbine Gardens and the playing fields.

"However, on two occasions the fencing has been stolen.

"These are two further incidents of criminal activity that residents can help us with , supplying names and address of the perpetrators. Replacement fencing is to be erected for a third time within six weeks."