GANGS of yobs wrecking a local park are making neighbouring families' lives a misery.

The residents of Sandersons Croft, Leigh, claim that calls to the police are being ignored and despite a long-standing appeal for action to improve Bedford Park it has fallen into ruin.

Mr Bill Gill said drinking gangs, aged between 12 and 15, are climbing on the pensioners' hut and playing football and riding on the bowling green.

He said residents had been complaining since 1998 but matters had not improved and claimed that on two evenings last week police were called but they did not respond.

He said: "The police and council have been publicising a zero tolerance policy but it seems to be hit and miss. The kids are used to being sent packing and just come back. I thought they were supposed to be getting hold of parents and warning them about their children's behaviour.

"The park is being wrecked. Seven years ago we started a campaign to try to get it improved. Local people got together with councillors and community police and they were all going to consult on doing it up, but it all fell through.

"The gangs are sent off one night and they're back the next. All we want is a fair crack of the whip. I have lived here for 30 years and you can't recognise the park compared to what it used to be.

"I'm not saying the council don't do anything, but it is getting to the stage where it will be a waste of time if they do. We have tried to stop this nuisance but we are not getting the support we need. Someone challenged these kids and cars in the street were scratched and bricks were thrown at windows.

"Though we are getting more help from our councillors there is no consistency from the police. We have asked for the community officer to come and see us but there has been no signs and when you complain they tell us it is because of a lack of resources."

Inspector Steve Wilkinson, Township Inspector for Leigh, said: "We are aware that there has been a history of problems with antisocial behaviour in the Sandersons Croft area and we have been working closely with the community and local agencies to combat this.

"Following a meeting with the community recently we experienced a 50% drop in antisocial behaviour calls in the area and we have received a lot of positive feedback.

"However, if anyone is still experiencing problems I would urge them to contact our Community Beat Office on 0161 856 7255 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

A council spokesman said: "We are certainly aware that it is a problem that is proving hard to find a permanent solution to. We've worked with the police, the youth mediation team and the antisocial behaviour unit, and while things improve for a while, usually in the winter, come the lighter evenings things get worse again.

"We will continue to work to improve the situation, but it's a huge pity the parents of those who are causing the problem don't take more interest in the problems their children are causing for residents."