FOULRIDGE: ASBO threat hanging over young yob

ASBO threat hanging over young yob

A YOUNG nuisance who lives in Foulridge has moved a step closer towards an ASBO (Anti Social Behaviour Order) being imposed on him by the courts, say police.

An ABC – Acceptable Behaviour Contract – was slapped on the youngster two weeks ago, which he agreed to abide by. His parents, the police and the boy signed the form which laid out a list of conditions to keep him out of trouble.

This contract was breached recently, and the boy has moved closer to receiving a legally-binding ASBO, police say. Breaching an ASBO can lead to fines or up to five years in custody.

Foulridge Parish Council meeting heard how the youngster must stay away from Weston EU Ltd, Foulridge, must behave in public, give no verbal abuse or gather in a group of more than four.

PC Mark Whitehead said: "This lad is one step away from an ASBO. With an ABC, a case is built on until we feel it's enough to take him to the courts and apply for an ASBO.

"An ABC is done voluntary and is a promise between the offender, his parent/guardian and police. Any complaints we receive about the contract being breached will result in serious consequences."

One villager said, in the weeks since the last council meeting, nuisance behaviour in the village, particularly at Station Road, had improved by 75%. However, he said this had taken a turn for the worse in the last week.

Residents spoke of youngsters congregating outside the village's fish and chip shop, running in and out of gardens and shouting and screaming, sometimes until 1 a.m.

PC Whitehead said improvements would be a "steady climb" and the youngsters needed some sort of entertainment. He said: "Generally, a lot of them aren't bad kids and I think there has to be a degree of tolerance.

"This weekend I'm taking 10 children from the village to Pendle Leisure Centre to take part in a five-a-side football tournament. This is the sort of thing that can happen if they behave."

Anyone interested in funding or helping with a new youth facility in the village should contact PC Whitehead on 07903 306281 or PCSO Rob Beck on 07985 519224.

http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/colne-news/ASBO-threat-hanging-over-young.3253717.jp