ROWDY youths congregating outside a 24-hour store have led residents to campaign for its 10pm closure.
Unruly gangs gathering out-side the Tesco store on Manchester Road, Northwich have disrupted the lives of those living nearby.
Town councillor Steve Gough has been addressing residents' complaints.
He said: 'Large gatherings of youths congregate outside, playing loud music, using the car park as a racetrack and causing a nuisance.
'There are up to 40 youngsters, laughing, joking and making lots of noise. This occurs more than once a week, but especially on a Friday.'
Cllr Gough said the store and its car park should close at 10pm to deter anti-social behaviour. He said: 'We have had similar problems at Baron's Quay and the M&S car park, but now there is no trouble as there are crocodile teeth and the gates are locked at night.
'I spoke to David Uden, head of environmental health services at Vale Royal Borough Council, and hopefully this week we will have some Community Safety Wardens patrolling the area.'
Harry Georgiou, who owns Harry's Fish Bar in Albert Place opposite the store, has been badly affected by the gangs.
Anti-social behaviour has cost thousands to his chip shop after a fire extinguisher was released through his letterbox.
Mr Georgiou, who lives in Sandiway, had to close his business for three-and-a-half days, including all day on Saturday, one of the shop's busiest days. He said: 'When the store is open they have to leave extinguishers outside the store.
'It was one of these extinguishers that caused the trouble. We've had to throw loads away. The powder got everywhere, even in the burn-ers. It has cost thousands to replace.
'The gang is intimidating and some people are scared to use my shop. I was only too happy to sign the petition. The store should close earlier then maybe we could get some peace.'
Although Cllr Gough wants the car park to close at night, Tesco manager Barry Phillips said the
store helps residents by allowing them to park there at night when spaces are limited on Manchester Road.
'We are taking all possible steps to deal with the complaints,' said Mr Phillips. 'We've been liaising with local police and looking at the possibility of installing speed ramps and increasing security at the store.
'Anti-social behaviour is happening everywhere. It is not just here because we are open all night. In fact, our presence throughout the night limits the extent of the anti-social behaviour.
'There is trouble with youths using the car park as a racetrack and bibbing their horns late at night, but our security manager goes out and they drive off or the police attend.'
