POLICE have warned they will seize vehicles after dangerous driving around a town.

It comes after reports of people racing cars ‘very late and loudly’ around Rawtenstall town centre and other areas of Rossendale.

One of the areas police will visit is the town's Asda to talk to the store's management about drivers 'gathering' outside the store at night.

While complaints about anti-social driving on Haslingden bypass have also been passed on to the Motorway Police to take action on.

Inspector Dave Clarke, of Lancashire Police, said: "We have been made aware of problems involving anti-social driving at several locations in Rossendale and will be targeting these areas.

"Police do have the power to seize vehicles being driven in an anti-social and inconsiderate manner and we will be keen to utilise those powers to target those who are causing distress or annoyance to the residents of Rossendale."

Cllr Alyson Barnes, Rossendale Council's leader, said: "The police have assured me that they are taking a number of measures to try and address the anti-social and highly dangerous behaviour that has been noted as taking place across Rossendale recently.

"Firstly, in Rawtenstall they will visit Asda – where drivers have been noted to be gathering at night – to talk to the store’s management and ascertain the current situation and how they can target it best. Warnings will be handed out and, if necessary, the police will use powers to seize any offending vehicles.

"The police will also be targeting other locations across Rossendale where complaints have been raised and using the same powers.

"With regards to issues that have noted as taking place on the Haslingden bypass – this is policed as part of the motorway network and so these complaints have been passed on to the Motorway Police to take action on.

"I’m delighted with this direct, targeted action from the police and I hope residents can see we continue to take this issue very seriously and fully understand how distressing this is for residents impacted by these selfish actions."