Fireworks let off inside former Pendle nursing home latest in spate of anti-social behaviour

The neighbours in Wheatley Lane Road, Barrowford, contacted Leader Times Newspapers to highlight issues at the former Belgarth Nursing Home, which has laid empty since it closed in January, 2018.

Incidents involving large groups of teenagers, culminated on Wednesday afternoon this week when fireworks were let off inside the building, owned by Sagecare.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "In the last three months myself and other residents have witnessed a spate of worrying episodes of anti-social behaviour.

"The building is an eyesore and has become a magnet for vandals. In the last 12 days the police have responded to three break-ins; the most recent one (yesterday) the vandals were setting fireworks off in the building.

"I am yet to receive support or a response from the anti-social behaviour team at Pendle Council despite contacting them four times by the council reporting system.

"I'm getting really concerned now because someone could end up being seriously injured. The council's housing team have been good to be fair in that they have boarded up any broken windows but the youths just keep coming back and getting in.

"I would say incidents have escalated in the last few weeks and it must be a drain on police resources to keep coming out to the same site."

Pendle Council has been approached for comment.