Gangs of youths drinking in old Leigh are intimidating residents, it has been claimed.

Weekends regularly see groups of more than 50 underage drinkers congregating around the beach, it is alleged.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "They get drunk and very aggressive. I have seen several fights break out, which can be very vicious."

Gwen Horrigan, a Leigh resident and chairman of the Leigh Crime Prevention Panel, said: "We do have problems in the old town but we are assured by the police they are regularly doing blitzes on the area."

Leigh Town Council has applied for parts of the town to become alcohol-free zones, which would allow police to fine those drinking in designated public areas.

Chairman Jean Rowswell said they were working on other options to tackle the problem. She said: "They are making a complete and utter mess of the seafront area. There are cans, bottles and broken glass everywhere."

Lionel Halliday, landlord of the Peter Boat pub, said: "You get gangs of anywhere from 50 to 100 youths aged from about 14 to 17 congregating along the sea wall."

Published Thursday September 2, 2004

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