CHESHIRE Constabulary is mounting an operation to tackle nuisance youths in the Frodsham area after a weekend of arson and anti-social behaviour.
A series of incidents centred around Eddisbury Square, the next morning there was a serious fire at
Kingsley Community Centre and, on Sunday evening, cars were torched on Ashton Drive, with the fire service retreating from the scene.
Insp Brian Roberts, of Congleton and Vale Royal Community Action Team, said 'robust' action would be taken to address the community's fears, including an operation aimed at undermining the trouble-makers.
He said: 'We are looking at using evidence gathering teams using video cameras. These teams are specially trained police officers who will target a number of identified offenders with a view to gathering evidence so they can be dealt with.'
Four youths have been arrested and are helping police with their enquiries in relation to the car fires.
Insp Roberts said the various incidents over the weekend were being looked at as a whole. 'We are investigating the possibility that there is a link between the anti-social behaviour and the fires this weekend,' he added.
'I would like to say Frodsham and Helsby are very pleasant areas in which to live and the matters raised around quality of life issues will become our priority. We will deal with it straight away.'
Insp Roberts said he would not hesitate to contact the parents of youths causing trouble and may seek curfew orders for the worst culprits.
Incidents included fighting outside a shop on Eddisbury Square, drinking on Queensway and Kingsway, a 20-strong gang causing a nuisance on Park Lane, an assault in Castle Park and youths smashing bottles heading towards Main Street.
The following morning, a wheelie bin was deliberately set alight out-side Kingsley Community Centre.
The fire spread to the roof of the building, which was badly damaged and will cost thousands of pounds to repair.
Sunday evening saw trouble-makers wreak havoc.
At about 9.10pm, fire crews received a call to Ashton Drive, where they found a Vauxhall Corsa alight. They were speaking to the distressed owner when, at about 9.55pm, another resident ran up the street saying a Renault Clio was on fire around the corner.
Fortunately, the prompt response meant damage was confined to the back seat, which had been deliberately ignited.
Frodsham station commander sub-officer Alan Oulton said: 'I was concerned the situation could have escalated and because the fire was out, I withdrew the crew to avoid any potential for trouble.'
Addressing the community directly, Insp Roberts said: 'People should not have to tolerate anti-social behaviour and we all need to shift the culture to one where communities are helped and supported to uphold standards.'
