AN investigation is under way after gangs of drunken teenagers nearly ruined the family atmosphere at last weekend's successful Summerbreeze festival.

Drunken youngsters at the free open-air pop concert were seen fighting, swearing and smashing bottles.

Two Morecambe councillors, who were at the event with their families, said the anti-social behaviour was "very intimidating" but Summerbreeze organisers claim the rowdy element were unconnected with the event.

Cllr Nick Westwell went to the festival after hearing worrying reports from his wife and children who attend on Saturday night. He said: "I decided to see it for myself on Sunday evening and as soon as I arrived I saw a gang of about 40 teenagers who were obviously drinking and being very abusive. It was not an atmosphere for families. Many of the teenagers were drunk, they were smashing bottles and fighting."

He added: "The police and security staff looked on and appeared to do nothing. On the night I could not get hold of any of the organisers. You can't have an event of this size without adequate protection of the public."

Cllr David Kerr also witnessed the rowdy scenes: "We can't ask the people to come to Morecambe to be met by the scenes I saw. The question of public safety has arisen and I've asked the chief executive, David Corker, to investigate. We want these events in the resort but must find solutions to these problems." A member of the public who called the Citizen, Mr Richard Marks, said: "There were lots of under-age drinkers who were being very anti-social. I was with my children and in two hours we saw three fights. We found it quite intimidating - not a place for small kids."

Summerbreeze organiser, Steve Middlesbrough of Kalimba, said: "There were a few drunken idiots on the fringes who weren't even watching the event. When you attract 20,000 people it becomes a social problem rather than an event problem. I don't want to dismiss the complaints and I'm willing to listen to constructive advice but you have to put it in perspective. The majority had a great time and it was a fantastic success."

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