Disco delight aiming to put an end to Longridge's antisocial behaviour woes

The disco – which is expected to be called ‘Club Night’ – will set up shop to Longridge Civic Hall in an attempt to put unacceptable behaviour in a spin through its sessions taking place every Friday night.

It comes as Ribble Valley Council reveals that Longridge has had 140 reported antisocial behaviour-related incidents in the last year – one of which resulted in a mounted police unit being mobilised following pleas from desperate residents.

Now, after receiving a £4,500 grant from the Ribble Valley Community Safety Partnership – which is responsible for developing crime and disorder reduction strategy in the county – the charity is able to its plans into actions.

Co-founder of Longridge Community Arts, Kieren Spencer, said: “Local youngsters told us they wanted a youth disco and we are working with councils and community groups to make it happen.

Kieren, along with fellow co-founder Rachael Ray, felt they needed to do something about the increasingly sparse activities for young people in the town.

Kieren said: “I would like to thank Ribble Valley Council, Longridge Town Council and Lancashire County Council, whose support has been fantastic.”

Ribble Valley Coun for Dilworth ward, Rupert Swarbrick, said: “We have been working with the community safety partnership and voluntary groups for some time to try and tackle anti-social behaviour.

“The youth club is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to get involved in planning and delivering the disco, and I would like to thank Longridge Community Arts for taking this project forward.”

The Friday night sessions will include workshops where youngsters will learn the necessary skills to plan and develop the ‘disco’.

They will also be tasked with running the DJ booth for the night as well as organising an on-site tuck shop.