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Teenagers could be given a big say in how to improve youth facilities in Preston in the wake of this summer's spate of city centre arson attacks.

Councillors will be asked to back an initiative this week which will try to tackle a surge in anti-social behaviour and fire starting incidents.

And one of the measures suggested is to invite young people to join a council task force to examine suggestions that the rebellious behaviour may be down to a lack of things to do.

Ribbleton Labour Councillor Anna Hindle will introduce a notice of motion at Thursday's full council meeting asking members to support a move to investigate the issues behind the recent surge in city centre youth crime.

The devastation caused by the second Odeon blaze in May for which three youngsters were detained.

Preston fire: Future of city’s fire-ravaged Odeon cinema/nightclub finally decid...

Preston was hit with four arson attacks on empty buildings in the space of just three weeks, including two fires inside the former Odeon Cinema, one in the old St Joseph's Orphanage and another in the British Home Stores premises which closed down in 2016.

Three schoolboys were detained on suspicion of arson in the second Odeon blaze on May 19 and released pending further investigations. Three months on from that attack the situation remains unchanged.

There have so far been no arrests in relation to the first Odeon fire and the ones at St Joseph's and at BHS.

The art deco frontage of the former Odeon Cinema will have to be demolished.

The fires followed serious problems this year with anti-social behaviour in the city centre over a period of months.

In January police introduced a Section 34 dispersal order giving officers special powers to move youths out of a large part of the city centre following continuing complaints from residents and people feeling threatened.

Over a 48-hour period several groups of youths were told to leave the area, but the centre of the city has continued to be plagued by nuisance incidents.

In the notice of motion to be debated by the council, Coun Hindle will ask members to note that "the city centre and many other wards in the city have suffered an increase in anti-social behaviour in recent months.

Spectacular night-time view of firefighters tackling the fire in the old St Joseph's Orphanage.

"This has resulted in several arrests of young people for arson and criminal damage.

"Anti-social behaviour is detrimental to community life and puts in danger the lives of those responsible as well as those residents affected by such behaviour.

"Preston Council is not directly responsible for the provision of youth services in the city. The council has however been closely involved with tackling this anti-social behaviour by working with partner agencies through its community safety and health and safety functions.

"This Council is also progressing the creation of a youth zone in the city centre."

Part of the damage caused by the arson attack on the old orphanage and Mount Street Hospital.

Members will be asked to support a request for the chief executive to write to the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner and the cabinet member for children and families at LCC to work in collaboration with the city council "to help assist in the reduction in anti-social behaviour and fire-starting."

The initiative will look at identifying any gaps in youth service/ youth club provision and investigate any options to fill the gaps.

It will seek the views of young people from across the city and consider setting up a multi-agency task and finish group to include representatives from the Youth Council.

How young people could help rid Preston of anti-social behaviour plague after spate of city centre arson attacks