AN ALLEYWAY that is attracting drug users and illegal motorbike riders should be sealed off, according to residents.

The ginnel that runs around the former Lorival manufacturing works in Little Lever has become a gathering point for yobs in the village.

The quarter-of-a-mile walkway, connecting Lord Street and Masefield Road, had been used by walkers as a popular short cut through the village.

But neighbours living in Ruskin Road say they are plagued by teenage bikers riding the motorised scooters along the ginnel.

Dirty hypodermic needles and syringes have been found on the ground and some residents have had their windows smashed.

Little Lever resident Sean Hornby said: "The place is a complete mess and it only gets cleaned once every two years.

"It's making people's lives a misery with quad bikes whizzing down the back of houses during the day."

Campaigners say the newly approved 117-house development at William Street, Little Lever, will provide new and improved access to the area and reduce the need for the ginnel to remain open.

Last November, Bolton Council approved plans for the housing estate that will see former plastics company Lorival bulldozed.

Ruskin Road residents plan to launch a petition to highlight the problems the ginnel is causing them.

Mr Hornby said: "Many were sorry to see the end of the old Lorival site as it employed half of the residents in the village.

"But with the village set to benefit from new access to the housing estate, this alleyway will not be needed and should be shut down."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "This path runs for most of the length of a substantial industrial site which is due to be redeveloped for residential purposes.

"work has not yet started on the housing development but, as part of the planning and design process, we would be looking to improve the path in terms of its character and alignment to make it easier and safer to use and more resistant to anti-social behaviour.

"In view of the development due to take place and the need to encourage people to walk rather than drive, it would not be appropriate to close it."