POLICE have vowed to step up patrols around Breightmet following a number of issues with anti-social behaviour over the weekend.

On Saturday, police were called to Stephens Street following reports of a large group of youths congregating in the area.

GMP Bolton North posted images of the street on Facebook, showing broken fences and littering, along with a post suggesting youths had left the street in that state.

Sgt Dave Butcher, from the Breightmet neighbourhood police team said that the incident is being investigated and confirmed there will be further patrols over the next few days.

He said: "The neighbourhood policing team have conducted a follow-up visit with local residents, and are working with them to tackle this issue.

"My neighbourhood policing team are currently investigating this incident and are looking to identify all those involved so that we can take action against them with the support of our partners.

"We will be conducting additional patrols in the locality over the come days to reduce reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area.

"I am keen to work with members of the community to tackle this issue and would urge members of the public to report such incidents to the police. "

GMP Bolton North officers have also carried out hi-vis patrols in the Bromley Cross and Crompton wards over the last few days.

Cllr Adele Warren, councillor for Breightmet ward admitted that there is an issue with anti-social behaviour in the area but said it is the minority of young people who are causing the problems.

She added: "We do have issues with anti-social behaviour and have often had problems with youths congregating in Waggon Road and on Leverhulme Park.

"Kids are coming to Breightmet from other areas as well.

"Luckily we do have an excellent neighbourhood policing team. Youth workers go out as well.

"We have a number of youth clubs in the area but a lot of these kids are getting up to things they wouldn't be able to in a supervised environment.

"It's a shame because there are some kids who are behaved, but the minority can cause a large disruption to residents.

"It's important to note that a lot of children acting out have difficulties in their own life, and a lot goes on with social services behind the scenes that people may not realise."