POLICE have switched on the latest spy-camera technology to help them fight crime in a problem plagued park.

Problems at Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle, have brought complaints from local residents.

And police have revealed they will be using a mobile closed circuit TV camera to monitor the park at weekends in an effort to root out trouble-makers.

Residents have complained about boozy and disruptive teenagers congregating at the park. There have also been problems with vandal attacks in recent years.

It is hoped the cameras will help to catch the trouble makers and cut out the problems.

Police have also promised to make a children's play park, off Ripon Road, West End, a night time no-go area.

They also promised a strong police presence at night.

Earlier this year police said that gangs of up to 30 youths were causing chaos by congregating at the park and the surrounding area.

The boys and girls, aged 13 to 17, were accused of under-age drinking and of verbally and physically abusing residents in the Stanhill and West End areas of the town. Police warned parents of the trouble-makers that they could face court action along with their children if they did not get them under control.

Sergeant Ian Critchley said: "If there is a small group in the park at night I don't mind.

"More than that and it is becoming a public order situation and we will move them on.

"They tell me they have nowhere to go but the play park is not for large groups to congregate. It is for five to seven-year-olds."

Police along with Hyndburn Council and youth workers are working in partnership to try to find the teenagers some alternative outdoor facilities.

They are also encouraging young people to use the Oswaldtwistle youth and community centre, Harvey Street, to get them out of the park and off the streets.

Pictured are police officers Gary Crowe and Jane Lawrenson.

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