YOUTHS are to be banned from gathering on a town's main road following a catalogue of trouble that has left residents fearful to walk the streets at night.

A Dispersal Order is to be put in place covering Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, in a bid to battle crime and anti-social behaviour.

The order, which will come into force in March, will create an exclusion zone in the town that will prevent youngsters from congregating on the streets.

Police will be able to disperse groups that are causing trouble and can escort youths home If they then return to the area within 24 hours they can be arrested and given a fixed penalty fine.

Officers are working in connection with Hyndburn Council to finalise the order.

It will cover the length of Union Road from the Black Dog pub, near to the junction with New Lane, to Moscow Mill Street, along with all the adjoining side streets.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe, who represents Immanuel ward, said councillors had received more than 200 complaints from residents in the past six months - all about gangs of teenagers running amok.

He added: "Friday nights are particularly bad and people feel like they can't even leave their homes. This isn't just elderly people, it's young decent people too. This order is something that is revolutionary for Hyndburn."

Coun Brian Roberts, who has been working with police, said: "We have been looking to solve the problem of unruly youths in Union Road - it is not always locals, we have had problems with youngsters coming from other areas too.

"The police will be able to isolate ring leaders and nip trouble in the bud before it starts.

"We want to send the message that there is no room for bad behaviour -criminal or anti-social - in Hyndburn."

The order is the fourth one to be actioned in East Lancashire - others are successfully in place in Bacup, Longridge and Padiham.

Hyndburn Council is also looking to introduce alcohol-free zones across the borough to crack down on drink-related crime.

Sgt Claire Cooper, of Accrington Police, said: "Union Road has been a real problem area recently, with kids hanging around and intimidating residents and shop keepers, often causing damage to property too.

"The order will give us more power to remove these people from the area and if they refuse, or they return, then they will be arrested.

"To be effective the dispersal order will need the support and co-operation of the local community.

"All acts of criminal damage or nuisance should be reported to the police."