A MOTHER whose children have been terrorised by local youths is calling on the police to introduce a community beat manager in her village.

Andrea Astley, of Queensway, Brinscall, claims her 13-year-old son and daughter,14, have been targeted by a gang of youths for a year.

"My son has endured months of torment and has suffered depression because of it," said Mrs Astley. "He's had an awful time, but he seems to have come through it now."

It was last Tuesday that the 36-year-old decided something had to be done when her daughter was threatened with a knife following a night out with friends in Withnell Fold.

She said: "I couldn't believe it. They rang her on her mobile and said they would be waiting for her when she got back. She was terrified. One of the neighbours had to bring her back.

"I'm tired of it. It's not fair my children should go through this.

"My son was endlessly bullied, but it seems they're choosing to pick on my daughter now.

"I feel if there was a bobby on the streets these types of things would be less likely to happen and they would be more aware."

Mrs Astley met Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle with local councillor Shaun Smith on Friday to ask him to petition police for a bobby to patrol the streets.

Councillor Smith said: "Mrs Astley had been experiencing these problems and I'm glad she came to me for help.

"There is a problem in Brinscall with petty crime and anti-social behaviour.

"I've been talking to police at Wheelton and the neighbourhood wardens so they can keep an eye on the area and I'm going to help her as much as I can."

Mr Hoyle said: "I am always supportive at every opportunity for more policing on the streets in Chorley.

"Bullying is not acceptable and I can understand why they feel the need for a community beat manager in Brinscall.

"I will take the opportunity to request assistance by writing to the chief constable of the constabulary for more resources and I will recommend Brinscall as an area for a police officer."

Inspector Janet Edmundson, of Wheelton police, said: "We are aware of a number of incidents in the area involving a particular young person.

"There's work ongoing with the Multi-Agency Problem Solving team.

"There are no plans within this current financial year to introduce a community beat manager in Brinscall, however, local police continue to target problems highlighted by the community, parish council and other agencies."