A PARK overrun with anti-social behaviour are causing disruption and cost to communities.

The 3G football pitch in Horwich is a target for vandals who, in recent months, have cut the goal nets and littered across the area.

Residents have called for the pitch to be locked and only used when paid for.

Councillor Susan Baines said: "It's one of several examples of anti-social behaviour on the park over several months. It's not the first time the nets have been cut.

"There's a group of young people who congregate in groups in the evenings and their intentions are not always the best.

"It was expensive and it's well used, it's upsetting when we see things happening to it. This is a facility for young people."

In discussions with Cllr Marie Brady on January 15, Serco, the managers of the pitch, and Bolton Community Leisure Trust said that locking the pitch is not an option as it would prevent those who cause no trouble from using it.

She said: "[I] had a prearranged meeting arranged with Serco on different subject but after complaints over the weekend asked for anti-social behaviour to be included.

"I was shown working CCTV, and advised quality of images is sufficient to identify individuals.

"[I was] advised pitches are litter picked and checked daily and spare nets had been ordered to hold in stock should they be needed.

In response to spare nets being bought, Cllr Baines said: "Serco should be monitoring it a lot more closely. It's not very reassuring. It's like they're anticipating it happening again."