LEADERS of unruly mobs of youngsters should be arrested and hauled before the courts in a bid to discourage anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Roy Walker was speaking at Thursday's (June 8) Bury West Area Board meeting in Brandlesholme, Bury.

His call for gang leaders to be made an example of came during discussions to find a solution to growing unrest among a 30-strong group of youngsters who regularly gather outside Brandlesholme Road shopping precinct and intimidate nearby residents, customers and shopkeepers. Councillor Walker said: "I know most young people are good. What we are talking about here is a hard core of youngsters who are causing problems for the majority of people.

"The ring leaders of these gangs should be punished. Cautioning these people is not a deterrent."

Although the number of calls concerning youths causing annoyance have dropped over the last six months, many residents claimed they no longer contacted the police as they failed to to turn out.

However, Inspector Steve Ellis of Bury Township stressed it was vital for people to telephone officers.

He said: "We rely on the public to help us identify problem areas. If people do not report incidents then we cannot react and deal with them.

"If officers do not attend then there is probably a very good reason for this although our communications unit should contact the caller to explain any delay."

While the new Greater Manchester Police Plan promotes greater tolerance of congregating youths, one possible solution being looked at for Brandlesholme is a redevelopment of the precinct forecourt.

Options are also being looked at to make an alleyway to Lepp Crescent,which has caused problems, more open.