Fury as youths spotted axing down tree at park in Wigan

Yobs have been spotted cutting trees down and causing a nuisance at an anti-social behaviour hotspot in Wigan.

Coun Ray Whittngham said he had received a complaint about a large group of youths cutting trees down in Ashfield Park in Standish recently.

Young people were also seen using axes and a saw on the trees, as well as making a fire and shouting and swearing and playing loud music.

Police were contacted and were able to move on the youths while they said the damage caused to the trees was “minimal.”

Coun Whittingham, who represents the area on Wigan Council, said: “I had a phone call from a lady complaining about a large group of youths cutting trees down in Ashfield Park.

“She reported axes and a saw being used and also them making a fire, lots of shouting and swearing and loud music.

“I contacted the police and phoned the council emergency line asking to get the tree preservation/protection officers there as soon as possible.

“PC Robinson attended and soon had the youths moved on.

He added: “Apparently, the damage was minimal the police said. The council haven’t got back to me.”

The latest incident comes after fed-up residents complained of “drug dealing” outside the park last month and demanded action.

They said cars have been parking up at the front gates of the park and drugs and money are being passed over, according to reports Coun Whittingham has received.

Youths and young adults have also been reported to have been regularly gathering in groups, breaking social distancing rules, drinking and using drugs and nitrous oxide.

While elsewhere in Standish, yobs destroyed planters outside the community centre in Moody Street. They also littered nearby Church Street with broken glasses and bottles while there have also been complaints about bins being full of takeaway litter.

The problems have sparked calls for CCTV to be installed in the area to catch the perpetrators.