FURIOUS residents are demanding that Bolton Council seals off a public alleyway in Little Lever which they say is a vandalism hot-spot.

The calls have come after vandals hurled gloss paint over fence panels along the alley linking Newmarket Road with Edinburgh Road.

Neighbours say it is the latest in a series of incidents.

They claim the alleyway is a haven for youngsters who gather to drink and smoke at night.

Residents also claim that young people are tearing up and down the alley on motorised scooters.

Irvine Greenhalgh, aged 64, of nearby Fontwell Road, said: "The best thing that the council could do is seal it off.

"The alley is also an escape route for criminals. They take out fence panels to get to people's houses."

Residents also claim that their homes have been pelted with eggs and toothpaste.

Louise Hayward, aged 27, of Edinburgh Road, said that some people were thinking of moving out of the area. She added: "There is really no need for this ginnel to be here. It serves no purpose, other than a short-cut.

"It is only the kids who use it -- and they are the ones who create the problems."

Sheila Wallwork, of Fontwell Road, said: "Where you get kids, you get problems.

"We know it is a minority. But it costs us money to replace the fence panels. It is also noisy at night."

Bolton Council began tackling problem ginnels in 2001, sealing alleys in Deane, Breightmet and Tonge Moor.