Police fear the behaviour of out of control youths is blighting Ormskirk - and that it's centred on a town centre pub said to be at the heart of their anti-social activity.

That explains why earlier this month a knife arch was sited outside The Queen's Head with some five incidents linked to a gang recorded there since December 18, although the company that recently took over its lease said it is willing to work with the authorities "to eradicate any past issues".

Police have described the 'disturbing' scene of a 16-year-old staggering from the pub supported by mates; more than a dozen further complaints linked to the gang's wider activity in the town centre have been documented by police since June.

They include:

• Six youths throwing stones at a runner
• 12-20 youths throwing stones at a different man
• Up to 20 youths reportedly smoking cannabis and possessing blades
• 20 youths shouting racist abuse outside the home of a resident
• At least 40 youths causing "nuisance" outside nearby bar Nordico Lounge
• 20 youths intimidating customers outside a town centre venue

• Youths climbing onto the roof of Boots and insulting staff

The gang is said to feature a core group of troublemakers aged 16, led by a 17-year-old boy with convictions for assault, burglary, theft and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Their actions led to Police launching Operation Bavarian last February in a bid to counter the gang with the investigation apparently undermined by the group's access to The Queens Head.

In documents submitted to West Lancashire Borough Council, the force said: "Youth A and the group around him are all children.

"A responsibly run premises that was contributing to the licensing objectives of prevention of harm to children, public safety, prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of nuisance would simply not have tolerated them in the premises.

"Despite numerous police interventions, warnings and advice Youth A and his associates have frequently been found inside The Queens Head."

PCSO Dan Parker described it as "a matter of grave concern" that "children involved in causing such serious issues within the town centre appear to be able to come and go within The Queens Head as they please and to dominate the entrance as if they own the place.

Details were revealed in an application for a review of the pub's premises licence by the Constabulary. If the application is successful it could lead to a hearing where options available to the council's licensing committee will include removing its permission to sell alcohol. Further incidents linked to the pub include fighting, the arrest of customers for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, and searches of drinkers leading to seizures of cocaine, "burner phones" and cash amounts those questioned could not "explain".

The pub's now run by The QHO Tap Ltd and they're fully committed to working with West Lancs. licensing in order to restore the pub to how it should be, and eradicate any past issues attached to it.

Surely there is more proof that punishment for criminal activity is woefully short of any deterrent curbing this behaviour. It is way past the time that Parents or Parent are put in the Courts beside their failures and if they are unwilling or unable to take responsibility they along with their little cherubs are banged up until they decide to actually give up their failures to a regime that will instil discipline and punishment in the harshest way possible.

There must be a deserted island in some desolate windswept rainy part of the British Isles where our very own Guantanamo Bay can be set up to make these worthless little bleeders get to know right from wrong and the consequences of their obnoxious antics.
No more pats on the head, a lollipop or a Caribbean holiday. Police Forces should have the shackles released and let them give them a taste of good old fashioned punishment.
The thread about slavery forgot to add that in this Country in centuries gone by starving children who stole a loaf of bread were hung, todays lot have it easy they thanks to do gooders have Carte Blanche to do what they want. It has to hit the wall and stop NOW before it is even more out of hand than it is now.