A CRACKDOWN on binge drinking on the streets of Bolton has been launched over the Easter weekend.

The aim is to prevent any outbreaks of drink-fuelled violence or nuisance.

Troublemakers have been warned they will be arrested or fined if they try to cause trouble.

The head of Bolton Police, Chief Supt Dave Lea, said: "We will target people intent on causing misery for those who want to go out and enjoy Bolton.

"The message is clear: We are watching you and we have the resources available to take you off the streets."

Operation Townsafe will see extra patrols drafted into Bolton town centre over the four-day holiday.

Officers will be on the streets from 6pm to issue warnings to anyone who threatens to cause trouble.

Bolton Council officers will accompany police to help to tackle underage drinking and the problems caused by litter louts.

The crackdown will also be mounted in other areas of the borough.

In Farnworth, there will be extra patrols and officers will visit pubs to make sure licence conditions are being met.

They will also be checking that licensed premises are not selling alcohol after hours and not selling to anybody underage.

Elsewhere, juveniles who cause a nuisance in Harwood, Bromley Cross, Eagley and Egerton face being moved on if they congregate in groups of more than three.

Fifty-two people - mainly teenagers - were moved on under new dispersal powers on the first weekend they came into force in these areas a weeks ago. Dozens of cans and bottles of alcohol were seized.

Chief Supt Lea said: "We will be working with in partnership with other agencies to make sure that people can enjoy their nights out without having to worry about people having too much to drink and causing problems.

"The objective is to make sure that people are going to have good memories of their night out in Bolton."

For the first time, police in Bolton are to draft in extra officers to tackle a surge in drink-fuelled crime on Thursday nights.

Police have vowed to use £80 fines or make arrests to keep drinkers in check.

Trading Standards officers will work with police, using undercover "spy kids" to check bars and pubs do not sell alcohol to youngsters.