THE response to concerns about anti-social behaviour in Horwich has been praised by locals.

Since late last year, residents and councillors have been worried about a number of incidents.

These include damage to several vehicles in the town centre, including a smashed bus window.

But councillors have received an update on the work that's being done to tackle youth crime in the area, including increased PCSOs patrols at the weekend and youth engagement schemes.

Cllr Kevin McKeon, who represents Horwich North East on Bolton Council, said: "The police and the council gave us an update on what they have been doing in the town. We were pleased to hear that over the past couple of weeks, one of the PCSOs had been in the town on patrol over the weekends.

"And there has been a lot of partnership working with the youth services in the area.

"The update was very positive and I am very grateful that the council and the police have gone out of their way to keep us up to date.

"We are well are of the issues with resources."

At a recent town council meeting, residents were worried that people would begin to form vigilante groups to tackle the issue.

Horwich town mayor Cllr Steve Rock said: "It is great news they are doing work with the young people in Horwich and pushing it in the right direction.

"I still have concerns about the number of police officers that are available and I know that is not their fault.

"It is time that the Government looked at it because I just worry about how far it is going to go. before someone gets killed because there are no officers available."