A DECISION to build apartments at a popular hangout for boozing teenagers has been welcomed.

Bolton Council has approved plans for eight flats and associated car parking on vacant land in Fletcher Street, Little Lever.

Cllr Mary Woodward is hoping that the move will drive out gangs of anti-social yobs who regularly gather on a well-used footpath behind Aintree Road.

Residents say their lives have been made a misery by louts, aged between 13 and 15, who are ripping up fencing, leaving villagers counting the cost.

Developers Northworth Ltd, who will build the apartments, have promised to install security lighting to deter yobs from the area.

Cllr Woodward said: "I've asked for lighting to ward off the youths, but not too bright to disturb residents.

"The residents are happy that there will be a deterrent to make sure these gangs don't come back."

The land is on the former site of the Salvation Army base, which was subsequently used as a snooker hall. The premises were demolished last year.

The apartments will also provide extra communal amenity space and the site will be enclosed by a two metre high fence.

Edward Steele-Wilson, a community leader from Little Lever, said: "Any moves to get rid of teenagers' hideouts has got to benefit the community. We've been helped by new guidelines ordering off-licences to only serve alcohol to people 21 and over. But there's always the danger that pushing yobs out will just mean they gather somewhere else in the village."

Villagers are working with council chiefs and police to cut down on unruly teenagers who are blighting the village.

An alcohol ban is due to come into force in Little Lever to stamp out people drinking alcohol on the streets.