THE mean streets of Radcliffe and the gangs who plague them got a night-time visit from Bury South MP Ivan Lewis.

After visiting the hotspots and talking with the teenagers who congregate there, Mr Lewis declared: "We cannot tolerate youths causing offence, criminal damage and intimidating other members of the community."

Mr Lewis toured Bolton Road, Spring Lane and other troubled areas on Saturday night (Nov 3), on a fact-finding mission with Councillor Barry Briggs, the chairman of Radcliffe Area Board.

It followed a recent police crackdown in those blackspots triggered by angry local shopkeepers who were the victims of abuse, threats and vandalism.

The undercover operation resulted in letters being sent out to the parents of 25 teenagers whose behaviour was deemed unacceptable and a cause of nuisance. However, not a single one of the parents contacted the police to find out exactly what their child had been up to.

Mr Lewis said: "I have, for some time, been aware of the problem with youths and anti-social behaviour. Much of what Councillor Briggs and I saw on Saturday night has reinforced my belief that sorting out this problem is of the utmost importance." He added: "Talking with the young people allowed us to hear how the youths feel about the situation. Clearly many young people feel that youth services in Radcliffe need to be improved, and we must address this concern.

"From my discussions it was clear that many young people feel that their parents aren't interested in where they go at night. For any strategy to work it is vital that parents take their responsibilities seriously."

Mr Lewis and Coun Briggs have since had discussions about how to tackle the problem and the three main themes are providing co-ordinated and more relevant youth services, clamping down on persistent anti-social youths, and parental responsibility.

Mr Lewis said: "Clearly, close working partnerships are needed between the Council, Police, youth services and the other key agencies. Only by making youth services relevant to young people will we be able to attract and keep them involved.

"I understand that Radcliffe has been chosen as a pilot area to establish a Local Area Partnership to deal with crime and disorder issues. This multi-agency partnership will be charged with making recommendations about crime and disorder, including the possible use of anti social behaviour orders."

Coun Briggs explained that the Radcliffe Area Board, via its sub-committee, is presently reviewing the existing youth service provision in the town and aims to make sure future youth services are better co-ordinated and more relevant. The key to this will be making sure all the key agencies are involved.

He added: "I would also like to echo the thoughts of Inspector John Higson when he called for parents to take extra notice of where their children are in the evenings."