NEW solutions to solve drug dealing and vandalism problems in Farnworth will be sought at a public meeting tomorrow.

The meeting has been arranged by the Youth and Family Support Project in conjunction with New Bury Community Watch in a bid to get local people's ideas about how to tackle the problems surrounding St James' Church.

Ian Hepplewhite, a member of the Youth and Family Support Project, says the church surroundings have been identified as one of the worst trouble spots in the town.

Problems well known to people living nearby involve drug dealing, youngsters drinking and being rowdy, gravestones being pushed over and bottles smashed and gangs of youths hanging around the area.

"A lot of people have indicated it is a place they wouldn't want to visit at night," said Mr Hepplewhite.

Professionals, including councillors and the police, have already met to discuss the problem but now they are hoping that local people will also join in to help find a solution.

"We know what the problems are. Now it is a case of where do we go from here?" said Mr Hepplewhite.

"The meeting is not going to be a 'come down and get everything off your chest' session."

Instead they are hoping local residents can come up with some positive ideas and possibly bring skills they have to offer to help improve the area.

The public meeting is being held at New Bury Community Centre and starts at 7pm.

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