Gangs of youths have been terrorising residents on a road in Saltney for years, claim families.

A gang of up to 40 unruly teens have thrown eggs and missiles at homes on Carlton Avenue and even used a catapult to smash a door.

Meanwhile residents have also been forced to remove condoms from a children's play area.

Now, terrified residents say they are at their wits end and have held a public meeting calling for Flintshire council to remove the play area and relocate it to the town’s community centre.

Cllr Veronica Gay said she backed the call.

Anti-social behaviour

She said: “Problems with anti-social behaviour have been going on for years and years.

“Groups of youths congregate in the evenings and weekends and residents are dreading the summer.

“Residents have had eggs thrown at their properties and one even had their door smashed in – the youths are regularly drinking and residents have even discovered condoms.

She said that the problem is so bad that at least one resident has been forced to move from the street.

One elderly resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “One lad with a catapult broke a neighbour’s door and I’ve had snowballs and eggs thrown at my door.

“At one point there were 30-40 people there all making a big noise and nuisance. They even smashed the CCTV camera.

“I objected to the play area being put so close to houses 20 or 30 years ago, but they didn’t listen. It should never have been put so close to homes.”

Other households were too scared to speak out for fear of retribution.

Related story:

In recent weeks the council was forced to remove new equipment from the play area after it attracted yobs.

Cllr Gay said: “Problems worsened when new kit arrived recently and I had to get it taken away for the residents’ peace of mind even though it punished the good kids.”

Flintshire council have pledged to 'review future options' for the play area.

Mike Welch, principal leisure services officer said: “Flintshire Council Leisure Service Officers recently met with local residents, Saltney Town Councillors, Cllr Gay and North Wales Police.

“At the meeting residents raised their concerns about an escalation of anti social behaviour at the play area, following the installation of a item of play equipment, called a basket swing.

“At the meeting it was agreed that the basket swing would be converted to a traditional flat swings, and that council officers would work with the local community and Saltney Town Council to review future options for play equipment and where they could be located.”

Are you affected by the youths in Saltney? Let us know in the comments below: