TOUGH new powers to tackle loutish behaviour came into force on Thursday.

Police can issue on-the-spot £50 fines to trouble makers, it will be an offence to sell spray paint to under-16 year-olds and there are new powers to tackle noisy neighbours.

All are welcomed by Leigh MP Andy Burnham, who is Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Home Secretary, and he is also calling for action on the growing problem of youth gangs.

He revealed how complaints have reached him with reports of trouble in the Leigh and Hindley areas involving gangs of up to 80. Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, the police have the power to disperse groups of young people causing harassment or intimidation.

The youth gang problems will be one of a number of issues up for discussion at a public meeting which starts at 6.30pm on Monday at Hindley Labour Club.

Mr Burnham said: "We need to provide more for our young people to do, but there is no justification whatsoever for some of the behaviour that has been reported to my office in recent weeks.

"I am concerned about this growing trend for young people to gather in very large numbers and cause all-round mayhem. It is well beyond what people should have to put up with.

"These new powers show that we are committed to giving the Police and others the tools they need to do the job.

"But this is not just a problem for the Police and I know that long-term solutions depend on us all doing our bit to help. It needs the Police, Council and local community to work together. We're in it together.

"That's why we continue hold regular meetings in Hindley. We are all agreed that we don't want to see any return to the situation that developed last year. Where problems emerge, we need quick and effective action."