BOLTON Council is taking action to combat vandalism and other problems caused by teenage gangs at Birch Avenue, Westhoughton.

The local authority is introducing a number of measures in response to a request by Westhoughton Town Council and local police are carrying out regular patrols of the area.

Residents complained to local councillors that as many as 30 youngsters congregated around the shops on the street and caused disturbance by their noise and drinking.

They also left litter and scrawled graffiti on doors and walls and one of their main concerns was the alleged use of drugs. Some people claimed they had found needles and swabs at the back of the premises.

A meeting was held between officers from the Housing Department, Estates and police to discuss ways of improving the area and making it more secure.

Since then the council has decided to demolish the front walls to boundary level, brick up a rear wall where a gate was situated, seal off and brick up disused bin chutes and remove graffiti from shop walls and repaint with an anti-graffiti coating which will make it easier to remove the work of vandals. Anti-vandal paint will also be applied to the downspouts at the back of the shops.

Housing manager Jennifer Hargreaves said that once the improvements are completed, the situation will be monitored.

Town councillor and deputy mayor Kath Dawson, who first raised the problem in council, said that she was glad of anything that might make a difference in the area.

Cllr Mrs Dawson said that she has since spoken to residents who have said there is already an improvement because of the increased police patrols.

"It's great that it has been sorted out for the decent people who live there, and it is making a difference. There will always be some children hanging about and the neighbours are not too bothered as long as it does not get out of hand and the police keep on coming round."

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