GANGS of teenage 'hoodies' are running riot in the back streets around Nantwich Road making life a misery for residents.

That is the claim of an action group formed by residents along the route and surrounding streets and they have secured a meeting with Chief Constable Peter Fahy after charting a catalogue of violence and vandalism.

They have held public meetings to plan a campaign to stop the teenage tearaways from damaging cars and properties.

Action group spokesman Michael Robbins said: 'There are a lot of unhappy residents in the houses along Nantwich Road, between Dane Bank Avenue and Somerville Street.

'Many decent, upstanding citizens are now seriously considering moving away from the area. They are being bullied out of their homes. The yobs are making life a misery.

'Elderly residents are afraid to venture out of their back gates for fear of what they may

encounter.

'Promises have been made by the police to make the area a targeted 'hot-spot' but nothing appears to have improved.'

Residents say they have to contend with: nGangs gathering outside Thoroughgoods off-licence on Somerville Street badgering passers-by to buy them alcohol. nTeenagers running over the top of cars and riding their bikes into vehicles. nCars being damaged

and property stolen from inside. nGarage windows being smashed - once by a teenager wielding a golf club. nBricks thrown at the windows of passing cars. nCars driving at high speed down back alleys.

One Nantwich Road pub landlord, who asked not to be named, said his takings were down 40% on last year because of 'hoodies' gathering nearby and frightening customers.

He claimed: 'In Nantwich at the weekend

there are police cars everywhere at night. In Crewe there are none. There's no police presence.'

In a letter to Mr Robbins and Nantwich Road residents, police chief Mr Fahy was apologetic.

He said: 'While I accept that some of it is due to inadequate manpower it would seem agencies are not working together to address residents' needs.'

He will discuss the problem with residents at Nantwich Road tomorrow night (Thursday).