A PARTNERSHIP approach is being taken in a last ditch bid to stop vandals from running amok in Ramsbottom.

Councillors, police officers and residents have joined forces to tackle the recent rise in vandal-related incidents.

Around 200 residents from the Whittingham Drive area packed Woodhey High School recently to form an action group to rid their estate of fly-tipping, vandalism, speeding traffic and youths causing annoyance.

And only two weeks ago vandals, some of whom are thought to be local, targeted Bolton Road West play area. The ground opened to young people only a month ago at a cost of £50,000 has been vandalised on an almost daily basis, causing an estimated £5,000 worth of damage.

The "partners" will draw up plans in the near future on how best to tackle the problems. And all residents are being urged to contact police if they see acts of vandalism being committed.

Coun Dorothy Gunther said: "Only the other week I saw an A-board, which had been firmly fixed to the ground smashed, which must have taken some doing.

"The rise in incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour are very worrying. But hopefully by working together with police and resident we can tackle it. For example parents could play their part and just wonder where their children are. Hopefully they are not doing anything wrong, but parents should ask.

" It is frustrating that young people complain that there is no where for them to go and then some element wrecks a play area."