A CALL for higher profile policing to combat teen terror in Culcheth has the backing of a local councillor.

A couple who live in the once-quiet village say are are at the end of their tether after months of vandalism and anti-social behaviour by a group of school children.

They say the vandals are taking over the village. They throw stones and eggs at passing cars, stop cars on the main road and slash tyres, smash bus shelters and telephone boxes with baseball bats and create havoc until late at night.

The couple, who don't want to be named for fear of repercussions, have been forced to step up security around their home after a series of incidents. They have had enough.

Intimidating

They said: "It's getting to the stage where we can't sit in our own front room without worrying what might happen next. They are so intimidating, people avoid going to the shops at night. All we want is to be able to get on with our life."

They have tried to confront the youths, but were given abuse and spat at, and are now calling for more police presence in the area. They are currently in the process of setting up a postal collection address so other residents can share their experiences and opinions on the problems.

They told the Journal : "We know it isn't only our problem, it's Culcheth's problem and we need people to come forward and back us up. The more people reporting incidents, the more chance we have of getting something done. At the moment it seems like they're ruling the village."

Area Councillor Keith Bland is fully aware of the problem and keen to organise a forum to discuss solutions.

He said: "It is a major problem. It's only a minority group, but some of the trouble-makers are as young as 14 and out until 11.30 at night. I'm hoping to set up a forum for police, shop keepers, school representatives and residents, where we can collect information and come up with a solution. What we need is more police presence between 6.30pm-12pm."

Small group

Community Sergeant Derek Jones said: "There is a small group of teenagers causing problems in the area, and there have also been incidents of vandalism involving bus shelters and telephone boxes, but there is no evidence to say the youths are to blame. We have had extra patrols in the area since November and as far as we are aware the problems have dramatically reduced."

Sgt Jones is also in favour of a meeting: "We will be holding a forum in the new year, from which we hope to find out what the problems are so we can address them."

Anyone with any information regarding the vandalism situation, those who have witnessed incidents or those who have been victims, is asked to contact Sergeant Jones on 01244 614812, e-mail him at derek.jones7470@cheshire.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.