A BRUTAL attack on a teenager has led to plans for a hang-out for youngsters to help curb juvenile nuisance.

The youth shelter could be built in the Newchurch area if planning bosses give the scheme the go-ahead.

Rossendale United Football Club is helping to pay for the shelter after residents of Newchurch, led by Linda Tiernan mother of victim Laura Tiernan decided youngsters needed a space of their own.

Police helped co-ordinate the project after residents angry about the attack on the 18-year-old, which left her with a broken nose and two black eyes called for action to stop yobs taking over.

She was leaving work at Jasmine House chippy, in Top Barn Lane, Newchurch, when she was attacked.

Linda, who lives with husband Peter and children Rebecca, 13, and James, nine, in Newchurch, said Laura had now recovered from the attack, but gave up work at the chippy.

She said: "I have more reason than anyone to want the kids off the estate, but I want somewhere for the kids to go.

"The football club's offer is an ideal solution. Things have got better around here recently, and we really hope youths in the area will take advantage of having somewhere to go because that's one thing they complained about when a meeting was held last year about problems in the area.

"I am pleased to see that something positive has come from what was an awful incident."

Rossendale MP Janet Anderson, who attended the community meeting about the problems in the area, said: "For the vast majority of kids all they want is somewhere warm and dry to meet their friends, so I will be pleased to see this project happen."

Plans for the shelter, on land off Dark Lane, in Staghills, will be considered by councillors at the next development control meeting on February 7 .