A PROBLEM with youths near a block of flats in Prestwich is to be the subject of a special meeting with residents.

Tenants in Sherbourne Court, off Bury New Road, have conflicting views over proposals to block off nearby ginnels in a bid to stop drunken yobs from hanging about.

The ginnels, one of which is adjacent to Bargain Booze, provide access to Prestwich shopping centre for the residents but they have become a haven for young people late at night.

While the residents say they feel intimidated using the ginnels after dark, they do not wish to lose the facility as elderly residents would face a long walk from their homes to Bury New Road.

The issue was raised at Prestwich area board on Tuesday evening but it was decided the subject needed further discussion at a separate meeting.

A request was made for more police presence on the streets to deal with the drunken teenagers.

Inspector David Jones, head of Prestwich and Whitefield Township, responded: "We have officers on the street seven nights a week and they have a hand-held video camera funded by the area board. When we take the video back to the parents there is shock and horror and they are very apologetic.

"But the week after, the teenagers are back out again and at the end of the day the parents do not take responsibility. It is not the fault of the police or Bargain Booze."

Insp Jones said he would prosecute any off-licence selling alcohol to under-age customers providing he had evidence.

Residents in Sherbourne Court and Warwick Street will be informed of the meeting in due course.