Crackdown amid anti-social behaviour nightmare at Wigan park

A disgusted resident believes a spate of anti-social behaviour in a town has “crossed a line”.

Yobs have damaged bus stops, public bins and cars in Ashton and wrecked newly planted trees on the town’s Jubilee Park.

Danny Fletcher, who lives in Ashton, said he had been aware of a number of incidents of criminality in recent weeks, with most of the trouble happening over the weekend and involves younger people.

Mr Fletcher said: “Some of what has been reported includes damage to newly planted trees on Jubilee Park, damage to buss stops and public bins, and damage to cars both whilst stationary and moving.

“All occurring primarily on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

“No one wants to stop our kids having fun, however the line is crossed when damage to public and private property happens.

“I have requested that our police in Ashton increase foot patrols in anti-social hotspots over the coming weeks.

“This needs to be on a Friday Saturday and Sunday evening.

“They are committed to patrolling these areas accordingly.

Businesses in Ashton should not feel intimidated by remaining open after 6pm, this is not right and will not continue.

“Parents and schools of those identified will be contacted and their behavior addressed.

“Again, we’ve all been kids, but the damage to property will not continue and there will be consequences for those that act in such ways.”

The issues in Ashton come after Wigan Police launched a joint operation with the council to tackle concerns over anti-social behaviour in the borough.

Operation Bluefin will see officers work alongside local authority teams to provide increased public reassurance and tackle the problem in the areas of most concern.

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