PARISHIONERS say they are too scared to attend evening services after yobs began to use their church grounds as a den for drink, drugs and sex.

Groups of up to 20 young people aged from 16 and 20 have been reported hanging around at St Joseph's RC Church, in Audley Range, Blackburn.

Warnings to behave were being given to youngsters and their families at mosques across the town today.

One member of the congregation, pensioner Joan Ashton, of Rosehill Avenue said: "There are members of the congregation who are saying they are scared when going to night services.

"Some have said they are going to stop attending the bingo and line dancing at the church at night if the problems don't stop.

"The people in this area are angry at what is happening.

"It has been going on for too long now. It's been on and off since last year.

"They are taking drugs and drinking.

"They have been seen urinating up the walls and it can be seen the next day on a Sunday when we are going into church.

"They have even had sex in the grounds. Used condoms have been found.

"It is not the place for this sort of thing to be happening. It needs to stop now."

Father Francis Parkinson, who lives also at the church was at the centre of an appeal for witnesses after he was racially abused last week.

He said: "It was pretty nasty. Sometimes they just play football then move on when you ask them.

"But other times they are doing drugs and can be very abusive. There is also littering and damage to the church door.

"They are using the church to meet because it is out of sight of major roads. It is secluded. I think after the mosques' intervention it should help."

Secretary of the Lancashire Council of Mosques Salim Mulla, added: "These hooligans need to be educated that this type of behaviour is outrageous.

"They need to stop spoiling our very good relations with the Christian community. They need to move on and stop scaring people."

Sgt Tony Ellison urged residents to help. He said: "We are aware there is a problem at the church but we need more from the community. They play a part in a solution.

"We are not being provided with enough reports from the public at the moment.

"We need to know what is happening to do something about it."

Anyone with information or to report an incident should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212.