I would question the Police statement published in a local newspaper: “While there is an obvious increase in anti-social behaviour, it is good to see this has not led to an increase in crime”.

In my experience, there can be a direct correlation between anti-social behaviour and crime particularly when it is fuelled by alcohol/drug abuse.

This can be often linked to under-age drinking, which can lead to offences being committed. Even if it is considered as low level crime by a minority, it can still have a detrimental impact on the community.

In the Horsfield area around the King George Playing Fields/Park, residents have been subject to the following criminal incidents over the last year: * Stones hurled at cars and houses, breaking windows along Skipton Road.

* Golf Balls aimed purposely at properties around the Park, damaging windows and cars.

* Verbal abuse and threats of physical violence against adults who refused to buy alcohol for under-age drinkers.

* Irresponsible owners of dangerous dogs who encourage them to attack other dogs and people. Correct me if I am wrong but I was under the impression that dangerous dogs, including pit-ball crosses, should be kept on a lead and muzzled in public places.

* Brawls by drunken youths, ganging up against individuals or other groups. In a few cases, these can take the form of attempted sexual assaults against vulnerable teenage girls.

The above offences have created fear among some residents with the result that they, especially older people, are reluctant to go out on foot at night. Surely, we should be able to live in peace, security and safety in society and not allow ‘no-go areas’/ghettos to be created by a small number of mindless yobs.

It would appear that some parents have lost control over the activities of their children or do not care less about what they are up to. I have witnessed young people being dropped off by adults in cars at the Park with plastic bags full of booze, mainly at the weekends, as well as take-away food to be brought to them in taxis. The Park then becomes a dumping ground for discarded cans, plastic and glass [often broken] bottles and food.

To cap it all, Bargain Booze Direct Home Delivery Services are being set up in areas like Burnley with minimum orders of £25. This is a recipe for more alcohol abuse by young people and adults. We certainly do not want this offensive profiteering in Colne or Pendle.