POLICE have pledged to tackle the root cause of juvenile nuisance in a town following two more arrests as part of an ongoing campaign.

There have now been almost 40 arrests of youths in the last three months in Oswaldtwistle since the campaign to stop youngsters loitering the streets started.

Now the focus is on looking at underlying reasons for the problem and police are keeping close watch on trouble spots.

As a result of this a man was arrested with a quantity of drugs which were seized and has been charged with possession of class B drugs with intent to supply them to youths in Oswaldtwistle.

And an off-licence has been reported for various offences for breaching of licensing laws.

Area co-ordinator Sergeant Ian Hanson said: "We have sorted out the nuisance and disorder and are looking at the root cause behind the problem.

"Youths are now getting the message and adopting standards by behaving themselves, which frees police resources to look at some of the causes behind the problems such as licensees acting irresponsibly.

"And through police observations we are moving into the causes and making significant in roads."

During the last three months Oswaldtwistle beat officers John Wrintmore and Paul Davies, who made the arrests, have also been involved in meetings with pupils at Rhyddings High School to explain what police want to achieve and how the youngsters can help.

The operation, which has used mounted officers, special constables and support staff, has had an effect on car crime and burglaries as well as helping residents feel safer on the streets.