A RESIDENT has hit back at former Coronation Street star Ken Morley's claims that his village is becoming a trouble spot.

Ken, 59, known to millions as former Betabuys boss Reg Holdsworth in the Street, was attacked by a 16-strong gang in Whittle-le-Woods, who snatched his trademark specs.

Angry Ken, who fled to a nearby house from where police were called, claimed: "This is becoming standard behaviour in in Whittle-le-Woods now".

But Motherwell-born Mary Double, 50, of Church Hill, Whittle-le-Woods, stormed: "Around here they are brilliant. I'm sticking up for the young ones, they get a bad name and it's not fair."

Hotel cleaner Mary has also lived in Chipping and Leyland.

She said her adopted village was much nicer than her birthplace Motherwell and fumed: "If he's a millionaire, why doesn't he go and live in a millionaire's paradise. If he doesn't like it, he shouldn't live here."

Ken hit back: "All I can suggest is she walks round Whittle at 11.30 at night in full confidence and I hope nothing happens to her.

"We are not talking about kids. I don't think 18 or 19-year-olds can be described as kids."

Meanwhile, Ken has also revealed that his garage was broken into last Friday night, with the raiders getting away with motorcycle parts.

Ken added: "It is like everywhere else, 90 per cent of the people in any area are perfectly decent, it is the element with the booze, and on drugs, out at the dead of night that cause trouble.