TRADERS in Farnworth are being targeted by a gang of youths who have threatened one shopkeeper with knives and screwdrivers.

They are pleading with parents in the Plodder Lane area to make sure they know where their children are at night.

The main target is a row of shops which includes a Welcome Store, a wedding shop, a cake shop and a launderette. The 30 to 40 troublemakers, aged between 11 and 16, congregate outside the shops from about 5pm until late at night.

The Welcome Store has been in Kishore Patel's family for more than 20 years and he has never experienced problems on this scale before.

Mr Patel, aged 39, said: "We've had minor problems in the past, but nothing like this. It has escalated over the last month and now they are driving the customers away.

"They shout abuse, spray graffiti on walls, throw stones at passing cars, damage local residents' fencing and damage parked cars. They even smashed a taxi window, but still nothing is done."

Alan Smith, aged 40, who has owned Retail Launderies and Dry Cleaners for 16 years, said: "I was threatened with a knife and a screwdriver when I tried to stop them damaging people's fences. Then they threatened me with a brick the following day.

"This area has gone from a nice environment to this in a month. I fear for any elderly people coming across them."

Mr Patel is compiling a list of names which he intends to take to the police and is also planning to write to nearby schools.

He said: "I think the parents should be made aware of the problems these kids are causing. They should be responsible for them."

Farnworth councillor Ray Stones said: "This is distressing for those concerned. I have experienced it in my area in the past.

"The council is trying all sorts of things to solve the problem. There are youth workers who go out and speak to the young people and try to encourage them to get involved in local activities, instead of hanging around the streets."