Deliberate fires in the borough are tying up crews

Firefighters in the borough have blasted problems with anti-social behaviour which they say are tying up resources on a nightly basis.
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Crews in Leigh say they have been facing huge problems with groups of youths burning tyres, wood, rubbish, bins and pallets in Firs Park and around the Twist Lane and Plank Lane areas.

The spate of calls to deliberate fires could prevent fire engines reaching major incidents or genuine emergencies, it is feared.

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Watch manager Rob Grundy said: “On Thursday night, the calls were in double figures. We are dealing with a very high volume of these low-level fires and incidents. It is tying up our resources here in Leigh.

Firefighters have hit out at anti-social behaviourFirefighters have hit out at anti-social behaviour
Firefighters have hit out at anti-social behaviour

“We are aware of the impact this is having and are doing everything we can to reduce these incidents.”

The fire service says it is working with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to tackle anti-social behaviour.

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