POULTON residents believe that the town's nightlife has reached saturation point and the level of late night anti-social behaviour has increased as a direct result.

Poulton Historical and Civic Society posted hundreds of questionnaires to residents living in and around Poulton in an attempt to gauge the views of the community about late night pubs and clubs in the town.

They were shocked when they received 350 replies all stating that Poulton had either reached its saturation point or gone beyond it in relation to the number of late night premises in the town.

Many replies also featured frightening accounts of late night revellers vomiting and urinating in gardens and on shop fronts, pensioners and youngsters that were too scared to walk through the centre at night and a general increase in late night nuisance.

The chairwoman of Poulton Historical and Civic Society, Carol Woolley, explained: "The police are doing everything they can but haven't enough resources. They actually said at a February 6 meeting opposing the opening of The Grapevine, a new pub and wine bar in Poulton centre, that they couldn't deal with any more licensed premises in Poulton.

"We only hope that the licensing magistrates and council's licensing committee will now listen to the people of Poulton concerning the refusing of alcohol licences and late night entertainment licences in the future."

Sgt Peter McGailey of Poulton Police, who has just taken over the post as co-ordinator for the area said: "Poulton has changed over the years and it is a vibrant, lively environment which is safe. In terms of policing we are working in partnership with local licensees, local breweries, the local council, community wardens and other internal departments within the police that are all aimed at making Poulton a safe place to be.

"We are aware that there is a perception that Poulton has changed in terms of crime and disorder and we are keen to allay these fears. We are currently putting certain measures into place to ensure we keep their confidence and low levels of crime and disorder."

When asked about an objection put in by Poulton police at Fleetwood Magistrates Court on February 6 against permitting a licence for the opening of The Grapevine, Sgt. McGailey said: "Yes we did object in February to a licence for The Grapevine, but we were unsuccessful. We will continue to look at each individual licence application as it is put forward and, where appropriate, we will object again."

The Citizen invited Poulton night club owner Paul Mellor to respond to the allegations raised by the questionnaire but he declined.