A PUBLIC forum will be held in Earby so residents can air their concerns about anti-social behaviour and juvenile nuisance.

At a meeting of Earby Parish Council, members met with Insp Richard Clare, of Colne Police, to discuss concerns over policing.

But Insp Clare assured residents that crime in the area had fallen.

He said a recent clampdown in Earby, where four fixed penalty notices were handed out to youths, had made a difference.

He added: "Obviously the point got across that weekend and so what we decided to do was keep things going for the following three weekends.

"We have got to keep coming back and chipping away at things. We are trying to keep them (the youths) on their toes and hopefully by doing that they will be wary all the time."

Insp Clare said police would also be carrying out test purchases in the town to clamp down on underage drinking and to stop older youths buying alcohol for those under age.

Coun Barbara Knock told Insp Clare there had been problems with gangs of youths congregating around the Northolme Estate.

"They are not drinking, but they are causing havoc," she said.

Insp Clare said the force was trying to achieve a long-term solution, which included looking for activities for youngsters such as a youth group.

"They won't disappear - they have got to go somewhere," he added.

But Coun Paul Christodoulou said although he had see the active policing and the difference it had made, it was important to hold a public forum as many residents still had concerns.

He told the Inspector: "It would be a great opportunity to get the public in and hear what you are saying so they can see it for themselves and sit down and air their views."

Insp Clare agreed to a meeting, although a date is yet to be confirmed.

He added that the police were trying to increase the opening hours of the police station in Earby and said the force would be looking for volunteers to work from it.

Police will also install an emergency telephone outside the station on Victoria Road.

At a recent meeting of Barnoldswick Chamber of Trade, members handed over around 1,000 letters to Supt Neil Smith, the officer in charge of the Pennine Division, calling for increased policing and 24-hour opening at Barnoldswick police station.