NEIGHBOURS have been experiencing a spate of anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and several cases of small grass fires.

Residents living near Barlow Park in Sharples have reported a number of incidents that have taken place allegedly involving a gang of "youngsters".

These have included people setting fire to some of the grass in parts of the park, one of which happened on Sunday evening.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said it was a disgrace at a time when firefighters were stretched with battling fires at Winter Hill and Saddleworth Moor.

He said: "Some people, who were in a red car, set fire to the grass but as soon as the police and firefighters arrived they drove off.

"It is the same group of children who are setting fire to them and they are using that same car. It has been here for weeks.

"They are causing so many problems and we have reported them. It is so frustrating."

Despite reporting it to the police, the neighbour said there had not bene any progress made in terms of identifying the people responsible.

Of the incident on Sunday night, he said: "I was just walking down there and I could here the sirens in the distance.

"The fire engines turned up and they could not get down the street."

As well as Sunday's fire, there have also been reports of drug dealing and taking in the area.

He added: "It is just ridiculous. It is out of control with this particular group. It is like it's never ending."

According to the resident, the majority of the incidents are occurring close to the entrance of the park off Barlow Park Avenue.

He said police were looking for as much information as possible on the incidents in an attempt to identify those responsible.

Anyone who does have any information should contact police by calling 101.

Alternatively, people can leave details anonymously with charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by filling in the form on the website at crimestoppers-uk.org