SOCIAL services must monitor behaviour more closely at a controversial children's home, according to a local councillor.

The council house, used as a home for two children in Le Gendre Street falls within Cllr Nick Peel's Tonge ward and he has had several meetings with social services and neighbours who want to see it closed down.

Next-door-neighbours Melanie and Joe Coop say they are moving out as they are unable to stand the disturbance caused by youths outside the house any more.

Cllr Peel says he understands the concerns of neighbours but he would not like to see the home closed down.

"This is the first time ever some of these children have been in a family type environment," he said.

"Some of these youngsters have bad problems." He added that there is anti-social behaviour sometimes caused by children whether they are in care or are living with their own parents.

He has stressed to social services bosses that activity at the home must be closely monitored in future and the location of the unit kept under review.

"If we closed it we would be in a situation of looking for an alternative site on the same estate. The best way is to try and make this home work," he said.