'Anti-social behaviour is getting out of hand in our town'

Residents and business owners claim anti-social behaviour in their town is "getting out of hand" as "kids run feral" around the area.

Helen Lawson runs Hel's Kitchen Cafe in Ashton-in-Makerfield, located in Wigan, Greater Manchester, took to social media last month to share footage of the behaviour she sees.

She said: "It is absolutely out of hand. Kids are running feral. They're verbally abusive, throwing things, climbing on things, obviously on bikes as well."

Chief Inspector Adam Wignall said: "We recognise that there have been a number of recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Wigan and Leigh town centres and we understand the impact this has on local people and businesses."

Since December, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued seven Section 34 dispersal orders in Wigan and surrounding areas.

In Leigh, two public space protection orders have been enforced this month alone.

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a legal tool that allows local authorities to restrict or regulate activities in public areas to prevent anti-social behaviour and protect community quality of life.

GMP said neighbourhood crime across the Wigan district has fallen overall, with more offenders being brought to justice in recent months.

On why she decided to share footage of the anti-social behaviour to a local Facebook group, Lawson added: "I thought it was about time everybody could see what they're doing."

Officers issued a Section 34 dispersal order in the town shortly after, with GMP adding "there have been no further reports of issues following increased high visibility patrols".

But Lawson says groups of young people have started returning.

"For a few weeks after all this had happened, they kids all went quiet.

"They weren't coming out really. This week, we've slowly started seeing groups come back out again," she added.

Sue Picton, a travel agent at Go Ben Travel, said she had witnessed repeated incidents involving anti-social behaviour.

"I was born and bred in Ashton. It's very upsetting to see how the kids act, and they have no respect," she said.

She described one incident where her car was damaged.

"One time somebody ran over my car with their feet leaving dents in it. At my own cost I had to get it repaired.

"I was mad, because even though I went through my insurance, my policy went up."

She added that while police community support officers (PCSOs) were seen in the area, their presence did not always align with when incidents occurred.

"We do get the PCSOs that come through, but they never come through at the right time or the kids have already gone before it happens," she said.

Another resident, Alan, who has lived in Ashton-in-Makerfield for 17 years, said the behaviour tends to fluctuate.

"It tends to come in waves.. Partly through boredom, I don't know.

"People who seem to resist and move people on get even more abuse," he said.

"I wouldn't say people are frightened to come out, but they're cautious when they do come out, especially of an evening."

GMP said a range of measures were being used across the district, including targeted operations, youth outreach, and closer work with partners such as Wigan Council.

Julie Middlehurst, assistant director for Infrastructure and Regulatory Services at Wigan Council, said: "Wigan's Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is committed to funding positive activities for young people across the borough, and officers are currently working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and schools across the borough to address recent incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"As part of its partnership working, the CSP has agreed a tailored package of support to address the issues which will provide and strengthen targeted interventions with young people."

Ch Insp Wignall said early intervention was key, with school visits and outreach programmes aimed at diverting young people away from offending.

"We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in any of our town centres.

"Anyone who chooses to engage in it can expect a robust and swift response from us," he added.

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