Gangs of youths gathering at Whalley landmark causing concern for police and local residents

Recent weeks has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour in and around the 14th Century Cistercian Abbey ruins with large groups of youths gathering, drinking, smoking and taking drugs.

Whalley residents - some of whom are elderly and vulnerable - have complained about noise, vandalism and drink and drug taking.

Police are working with a number of organisations to tackle this troublesome behaviour and have issued a plea to parents to keep an eye on their children in the evenings.

Sgt Kevin Day, of Clitheroe Police, said: "We are dealing with ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour from youths in and around the grounds of Whalley Abbey.

"There have been numerous complaints of large gatherings with lots of noise, grounds and property damaged and drug taking too.

"The Abbey grounds are totally accessible to everyone, but we would urge people - especially the younger generation - to treat the landmark with respect."

He added: "We are working with staff at Whalley Abbey to crackdown on this problem and police patrols have been increased, however, we need the public's help to solve this problem as it's impossible for the police to patrol the grounds all the time.

"We are asking parents to advise their children not to enter the Abbey grounds during the evenings because of the concern and anxiety being caused due to the inconsiderate behaviour in the area.

"Although the anti-social behaviour is centered around the Abbey, local residents in the surrounding areas are also being affected, some of whom are elderly and vulnerable."