POLICE patrols will be stepped up in a park where street drinkers gather and cause anti-social behaviour.

Local people say yobs are downing lager and spirits in Bridgeman Park in The Haulgh — despite drinking being banned there.

They say the boozers often become disruptive and even urinate in the bushes.

Inspector Wayne Readfern, of Bolton North Integrated Policing Team, said: "We have numerous reports about this. This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable.

"We have had some fantastic results in this area recently which have been publicised locally and regionally.

"I would like to say that we do listen to what local people are telling us and we are already addressing this particular issue.

"We have made numerous multi agency visits to the shop who we believe is supplying the alcohol and we have now put a plan together to pay regular visits to the park."

Bridgeman Park — which used to be locked at 6pm — was one of the first areas in Bolton to become a designated No Drinking site.

Insp Readfern and his officers aim to enforce this and extra patrols will be laid on, especially after 6pm, to dissuade street drinkers for indulging.

Once a magnet for prostitution and low-level crime, the area more widely was cleaned-up thanks to the efforts of community champion Walter Scott, who was a founder member of The Haulgh Community Partnership.

Following his death in 2009 a memorial plaque was installed on a boulder in the park.

Mr Scott's widow Madeleine Scott raised concerns in The Bolton News a year ago about louts hanging out at the park causing trouble and more recently complaints suggest the problem has resurfaced.

Insp Readfern said: "There are a few people who are clearly spoiling it for others and we aim to put this right.

"It is a real shame as the area of The Haulgh is a nice place to live with some very caring residents and other stakeholders.

"We are working with the local authority to solve this issue."

Residents can report anti-social behaviour — including the times the nuisance is being caused and descriptions of the culprits — to the Bolton North Integrated Policing Team on 0161 856 5761.