GANGS of up to 50 children -- some as young as 10 -- have been intimidating neighbours and passers-by near a Bolton leisure centre, it has been revealed.

And youth workers drafted in to help crack down on the problem have discovered that some of the youngsters have drug or alcohol addiction problems.

The young troublemakers have been congregating near the Sharples Leisure Centre -- with young people up to 22 years old among them -- prompting residents to complain about problems of noise, litter and intimidation.

A team of five outreach workers from Bolton Lads and Girls Club are now in the Hill Cot Road area in a bid to help combat the problems.

The youth workers are attempting to divert the youngsters away from crime and vandalism by finding them something positive to do.

And although their project was only started earlier this summer, residents told a meeting of the area forum for Astley Bridge and Bromley Cross that they had already seen a marked improvement in their behaviour.

The youth workers are touring the streets of Sharples, Astley Bridge, Bromley Cross and Egerton in two mini buses on the lookout for local youngsters hanging about at night.

Many of those in the Sharples Leisure Centre area complained that they were desperate for something to do. The youth workers moved in to the areas after councillors in the wards were inundated with complaints from residents at area forum meetings.

Money from the Government Neighbourhood Renewal Fund was used to pay for the youth workers' project which is now to be extended until December next year in a bid to try to set up youth clubs and other facilities requested by the young people.

Mark Shields, Resource and Development Manager with the Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club, said: "We were surprised that such a mixed age range was hanging about together in Sharples.

"There were 22-year-olds mixing with 10-year-olds.

"We have built up relationships and trust, but these young people have been neglected for years."