POLICE today promised to continue to patrol a troubled area of town after another weekend of disturbances.

The pledge came after eight people, a number of whom were juveniles, were charged after alleged public order offences in the Infirmary area of Blackburn.

Under the Public Order Act, officers have the power to stop and search people for weapons where they believe an incident of violence may take place.

Thirteen people, the majority aged about 17, have been charged with public order offences in the area in the past week and one received a reprimand.

Another youth is being questioned by police.

In Saturday's Lancashire Evening Telegraph, police told how they had launched Operation Embody on the area after 83 incidents of juvenile nuisance in the area during March -- nearly double the level of other parts of town.

The crackdown followed a meeting with 140 residents who complained the area had become overrun with large gangs who roamed the streets and intimidated them.

Up to 16 police officers have been patrolling the area.

Ward councillor Maureen Bateson also visited residents with two police officers on Saturday to offer support.

And the residents, who last week said they were afraid to leave their homes, today told of the continued trouble at the weekend. They praised the police for their actions.

A shopkeeper said: "The police have helped, although they should have started their patrols at the beginning.

"But they are proving themselves to the residents now and if they keep doing this, hopefully they will get on top of the problems.

"There was trouble all weekend, but the police came up as soon as we reported it.

"There was a gang of 30 roaming the area and fighting and intimidating people. I had some abuse, as did my neighbours."

Another resident said: "On Friday a group of 15 and 16 year-olds went on the rampage. They were about 30 of them in a gang. Then they were out on Saturday and then on Sunday.

"Someone said a lad had had his head put through the front window of a house. You get abuse if you are walking down the street. I have lived here for 20 years and it has never been this bad.

Police patrols have helped but it is a big problem in this area. I work shifts and am concerned for my family when I am out of the house."

Coun Bateson said: "I'm not prepared to allow an area to be terrorised by young people.

"People told me they were concerned that groups were forming and that there was an atmosphere of tension within the area.

"Residents are beginning to band together and say they are going to do something about it. They are standing up for their area and supporting the police."

Inspector Tracie O'Gara said: "There has been a high visibility police presence in the area to reassure residents and we will continue to take action against people who commit offences in that area.

"There were a couple of nights of trouble in the area at the weekend and we arrested and charged eight people."