HOOLIGANS are making life hell for the owner of a new shopping arcade.

The eight-strong gang has systematically demolished a £1,200 neon sign and brought down a security TV camera on a 30-foot pole.

Colin Lyth, owner of the Heritage Arcade in Rawtenstall, claims he visited the police station 12 times in a fortnight to complain but nothing had been done to stop the vandals attacking his premises.

The gang targeted the new arcade of shops after being moved out of the Valley Shopping Centre on Bank Street, where they had smashed shop windows.

Mr Lyth said: "They meet at 8.30 every night to play football on the Do-It-All car park at the back of the arcade.

"At first I asked them politely to be careful and moderate their language but the result was that over two weeks they demolished my neon sign and security camera."

Mr Lyth told a meeting of the Rossendale Chamber of Commerce that shoppers had been plagued by gangs of youths rampaging round the arcade during the day and using foul language.

He complained that no action had been taken, despite reports of trouble to the police. He said: "I know who the youths are but don't know what else I can do. I have no objections to them playing football as long as they keep the language down.

"If there's an accident that's one thing. But it's a different matter entirely when they are targeting something which cost me a lot of money."

Windows have also been smashed in the Valley Centre, Bank Street.

Sean Cosgrove, owner of a domestic appliance business, said he had confronted the youths and warned them about their behaviour. Their names had been put on the local police's juvenile nuisance register.

But Inspector Paul Robinson of Rossendale police warned shopkeepers against being have-a-go heroes.

He said: "The police would prefer you to be discreet witnesses."

He assured the Chamber he would look into the problem but said the police needed evidence to convict offenders.

He asked shopkeepers to phone the police as soon as they saw vandalism so that the youths could be caught red-handed.

Chamber members are also considering offering a reward for evidence which leads to the arrest and conviction of vandals.

President Tony Winder, whose £350 shop window was smashed two weeks ago said: "There have been several attacks in the town centre.

"Anything which helps bring about an arrest and conviction would be worthwhile."

Mr Lyth added: "What we need is greater co-ordination between shopkeepers and police."

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