Blackburn businessman claims anti-social behaviour

The business owner claimed children had been buying vapes in shops in Blackburn

Children smoking vapes and anti-social "drunken louts" are causing significant problems in Blackburn town centre, business bosses have been told.

The owner of one company has complained about illegal vape and cigarette sales, outdoor drinking, and discarded rubbish.

He has written to Business Improvement District (BID) bosses who said they had informed Lancashire police.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said it was tackling the issues.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the unnamed business owner had written to Blackburn Town Centre BID Manager Catherine Price to highlight the anti-social behaviour issues.

He told her he had witnessed an "increase" in shops selling "counterfeit cigarettes" as well as them "selling cigarettes and vapes to children".

The owner also reported "streets full of vaping rubbish" and an "increase in anti-social behaviour and drunken louts".

Ms Price said: "I have recently submitted a bid to the police and crime commissioner for funding to provide extra security patrols in the run-up to Christmas to help prevent, reduce and deal with town centre anti-social behaviour and retail crime."

She added that she had "referred the matter to the town centre police inspector".

A council spokesperson said: "A number of enforcement operations have taken place in recent months, and more operations are planned."

Disposable vapes have also reportedly been discarded in Blackburn town centre

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