I refer to the letter of September 27, Alcohol ban has no hope of working, from Cllr Joseph Hayes, a Labour member of Westhoughton Town Council.

He says the proposed extension of the alcohol ban in Westhoughton would not work. Readers may not be aware that Cllr Hayes fully supported the alcohol ban in the town centre area, which has had some effect on issues within the centre of Westhoughton.

The success of implementing this ban depends upon the support of the police in identifying a problem within an area.

The problem affecting residents of Wingates, together with other parts of Westhoughton, is the issue of groups of youths, some involved in anti-social behaviour.

To try to resolve the issue, Westhoughton's Liberal Democrat-run town council has requested that both Bolton Police and Bolton Council look into the possibility of a Westhoughton town-wide alcohol ban for on-street drinking to ensure that all areas are covered, and also the feasibility of it being a borough-wide ban.

At the current moment, there are a number of alcohol ban zones scattered across the borough. What Westhoughton Town Council has requested is to join those to ensure that ALL residents have some protection.

While this proposal is under consideration, I can assure the residents of Wingates and other parts of Westhoughton that the town council has asked Bolton Police and Bolton Council to continue its operations under the BESAFE scheme on tackling issues of under-aged drinking, both on-street and in licensed premises.

We have also asked that the possible use of a dispersal order is considered for Westhoughton. It has asked for the continued use for the acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs) and ASBOs, where needed.

The town council will continue to support measures against crime. It was instrumental in setting up its CCTV scheme in the town centre, and it supports one of the largest home watch schemes in the area, while giving support to the Pub Alliance organisation.

Cllr David Wilkinson

Leader of Westhoughton Town Council