THREE crime hot spots will be targeted in a special crackdown on juvenile nuisance by council bosses.

Chorley South East, Chorley South West and Coppull were pinpointed as areas with the highest number of reported incidents in a report by Chorley Borough Council.

After consultation with councillors, police, neighbourhood wardens, residents and the General Household Satisfaction Survey groups of young people, it was found that underage drinking, noise, vandalism and graffiti were the main issues of concern.

It also found that recorded juvenile nuisance had increased by 13.8 per cent between April 2001 to March 2003.

Proposals to clamp down on the problem could include:

A proof of age scheme

More neighbourhood wardens

Encouraging parents to take more responsibility for their children

A parenting project providing support, advice and the opportunity to learn new skills.

Council leader Jack Wilson, who represents Chorley South West, said: "Most of the complaints I have are about anti-social behaviour.

"One man told me he's been forced out of Chorley because the youths that congregate on a children's play area near his house were forcing him close to breakdown.

He added: "We also have a problem with gangs of youths on motorbikes who make people's lives miserable.

"But I do have sympathy with them because there aren't any facilities for young people.

"We need to employ wardens, which is already being done, to try and prevent anti-social behaviour and give the kids more things to do so they can burn all the energy they have."

Recommendations made in the report include a review of facilities for young people and their accessibility, including opening hours and cost.

Priority will be given to the three areas but could be rolled out across Chorley if the clamp down is successful.

It is not all bad news though -- Chorley ranks eighth out of 12 at district level, with 12 having the lowest levels of juvenile nuisance.