AN angry Morecambe resident who claims young tearaways have turned his street into a "no-go zone" has launched a personal crusade which could land the City Council and local police force in the dock. Legal advice has been sought by the man who is determined to bring claims of negligence against Lancaster City Council and the Lancashire Constabulary for failing to take action against the teeny gangs. Wishing not to be named for fear of reprisals, he claims that all the publicity surrounding the resort's regeneration masks the harsh truth that some of the resort's back streets have become as squalid as the worst inner city areas.

"The City Council has been trumpeting about all the marvellous developments on the front but they should take a closer look at some of the back streets," he said.

"Gangs of up to 20 children, some as young as eight or nine, run riot hurling about street signs, spraying graffiti on walls, urinating in doorways and generally being threatening and abusive.

"Because they are not adults they appear to get away with acting like a pack of wild animals. Other residents are too frightened to speak out and it is a sad reflection that everyone has to keep their heads down."

The resident, who has lived in the resort since its heyday, has seen his life savings in the property he owns dwindle and claims the threat of court action is his last hope. Lancaster-based solicitor, Mr John Halewood-Dodd, confirmed that he had written to Lancaster City Council and the Lancashire Constabulary to seek a response to the complaints.

He said: "We are looking at the possibility of issuing a writ for negligence."

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