Centre of Longridge becoming '˜lawless part of town'

A worried resident of a flat above the Co-op on Berry Lane called police after 12 plus youths refused to stop kicking footballs at residents’ windows.

Two hours later, the police had still not arrived.

Police issued the following statement this week: “On Friday, May 20 we were called out at around 9.35pm to reports of youths causing nuisance around the Barclay Road area of Longridge. Unfortunately, due to a busy period of demand and a number of ongoing incidents across the area there were no patrols available to attend at that time.”

The resident, who does not wish to be named, said: “I asked them (the youths) politely but firmly to stop and was jeered and the kicking continued. I then called the police via 999 and as I was logging my call to the operator and describing the individuals involved I was jeered even more and the kicking of the footballs intensified. The crowd moved on and targeted the Berry Lane Medical Centre and cars parked on the car park.”

Despite not being able to deal with the incident, a police spokesperson said: “However, we take all reports of anti-social behaviour seriously, whether it is in residential streets, town centres or elsewhere.

“We have conducted several initiatives in Longridge in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour, including directing resources at it and planning officers’ shifts around the times when this type of behaviour is at its worst.

“We are aware it is still an issue in the area and we are continuing to look at ways in which it can be reduced.”

The resident believes the Co-op - Barclay Road area is becoming a “lawless part of the town” and says this is not the first time he has contacted the police about the youths.

He told The News this week his biggest concern is the “serious lack of policing” in Longridge and that the town will “get a reputation it doesn’t want.”