POLICE are targeting a park plagued by trouble-makers, following a string of complaints about yobbish behaviour, criminal damage, racist insults and arson.

Officers from the Atherton Neighbourhood Police Team are working with Wigan Council to address the problems at Astley Park.

Police community support officers and special constables will be running high-visibility patrols in the park and surrounding area throughout February. The police will be giving out warnings to young people found to be causing a nuisance and will also reassure other residents.

Insp David Johnston said: “One of the problems is that some local residents are leaving bins outside their properties for too long, which makes it easy for young people to wheel them away and set fire to them.

“I would advise residents to continue to put their bins outside for collection on time, but also to make sure they take them back in again as soon as the bins have been emptied.”

Residents can call the Firestoppers line anonymously on 0800 923 9999 if they have any information about arson.

To contact the Atherton police team, call 0161 856 7319. Alternatively, email: atherton.apt@gmp.police.uk.