POLICE are cracking down on youngsters hanging around the streets of a Blackburn estate after a "weekend of hell."

Officers today revealed up to 20 youngsters were causing trouble on Saturday night in the Pemberton Street area.

One 18-year-old was arrested and given a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly.

Residents claim problems have been happening all summer and that Saturday was just the worst of many. But police have reassured them their area is not classed as a problem compared to others in the town.

One resident, who preferred not to be named, said the estate was being constantly "terrorised" by youths.

She said she was sick of being scared to go to her local shop in Whalley New Road after dark.

She said: "They were wandering around trying to break into cars and being loud. They were shouting abuse at anyone who passed them in the street.

"It is a nice area here and we do not want these kids ruining it. They chuck stones and walk around drunk in their hoodies. Some are definitely under-age. They were even fighting among themselves. They are very intimidating.

"We need to see more police in the area. We have only seen our community police manager twice in two years. We need their help.

"They need to start having their alcohol taken away.

"We are living in fear. You don't want to go out because they are always there causing trouble."

Sgt Jason Millington said patrols would be increased around the Pleckgate area at the weekend.

He said: "We want to stop this too. As far as we know the figures of nuisance in that area are not high with last weekend an exception.

"We will be speaking to local shops and local people to stop this from happening again. I urge residents to let us know. We cannot help if we don't know what is going on."

The next meeting of PACT, (police and community together) when area community beat manager Duncan Park will be available is on November 1 at Lammack Methodist Church at 6.30pm.