POLICE are to mount a zero-tolerance crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Westhoughton town centre.

There will be a more visible police presence in Market Street tonight and over the weekend as part of an ongoing police operation to combat trouble-making youths.

Residents and shopkeepers have reported rowdy gangs of teenagers scaring off customers, drinking in the street and damaging property.

Higher numbers of police community support officers (PCSOs) have already been deployed in the town centre.

Insp Mo Razaq, area inspector for Bolton West, said the local police team will take a "zero-tolerance" approach to troublemakers.

He said: "We want people to behave in this town and positive police action will be taken against offenders.

"There will be high profile policing and we will be following up cases with home visits."