Drinkers blight nature reserve

3:41pm Wednesday 19th March 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Police are being urged to act against late night drinking sessions which are blighting a local nature reserve.

Bottles and cans have been left strewn around Westway Ponds Community Nature Reserve in Astley Village.

Ward councillor Mark Perks has asked police to target the area which, he says, is becoming a regular spot for late evening drinking.

The Conservative councillor said: "The number of bottles indicate youths congregate there.

"With such large numbers of bottles in the ponds which are quite isolated it could lead to a nasty accident."

He added: "I'm disappointed by the police response - despite reports that Astley Village receives by far the biggest police attention in term of resources. I have not received any notification they have checked this area." Coun Perks wants the police community support officers to put the site on their patrol list and the council to monitor the ponds and tidy up any mess.

A police spokesperson said: "Councillor Perks is the only person we have received a complaint from, but local officers will be looking into it and stepping up patrols in the area."

Councillor Eric Bell, Chorley's executive member for neighbourhoods, said: "This is the first time this problem has been brought to our attention and a team is being sent to the area to clean up the mess.

"We will be working closely with the police and local community to see what measures can be put in place to prevent this type of anti-social issue from escalating."