Gangs of firecracker-throwing youths spark fear in Ashton

The sharp rise in anti-social behaviour in the town has been a concern for weeks, with numerous reports of vandalism, intimidation and abusive behaviour.

Ashton resident Danny Fletcher described the behaviour as “unacceptable” and called for action to be taken to clamp down on the thugs.

Danny, who is a Labour council candidate in Ashton, said: “There has been a lot of anti-social behaviour in Ashton town centre over the past two months.

“Shop owners are getting a lot of hassle.

“They’re throwing firecrackers at shops and litter cans at moving cars and damaging bus stops.

“Shoppers are being subjected to abusive behaviour walking past on pavements.

“There’s a lot of confrontation and it is unnecessary and unacceptable and action is needed.”

In a bid to clamp down on the issue, Danny said he will be meeting with police while youth workers, councillors and schools in the area will work closely together.

And Danny said there have been signs the situation has been improving in recent weeks since schools have gone back.

He said: “We’ve had many reports over recent weeks about anti-social behaviour in Ashton centre.

“So I’ll be discussing the issue ith our great local police team, they are patrolling in the evenings and linking-in with youth workers.

“There will also be discussions next week to do more to tackle this problem.

“Those responsible for ASB behaviour and any damage in Ashton will be identified and their schools contacted.

“As standard, parents will also be notified by the police or schools.

“The good thing is that there have been signs the situation is improving since children have gone back to school.

“I’d imagine this is beccause they’ve got a structure to their day and aren’t bored.”

He added: “We know this behaviour is a minority, my son is 11 and he and his friends are equally disgusted with this behaviour.”

His concerns follow a spate of break-ins in Ashton at the back end of last year and the start of this one.

Pubs, hairdressers and diners were targeted by thieves.

It has prompted business owners to team up with police and local councillors to deal with the problem with patrols and CCTV amongst the things stepped up.