A FED-UP resident wants to move house because a nearby beauty spot has become a hotbed of anti-social behaviour.

Gangs of 14 and 15-year-olds have been converging on Stanney Woods, strewing the area with empty beer and spirit bottles and damaging trees by daubing them with graffiti.

Ellesmere Port police say they recognise it as a gathering point for troublemakers and have promised to step up patrols.

The Pioneer learned of the problem after being contacted by the worried resident, who said: 'Groups of 20-30 youths have been there every weekend recently. They are all local and aged 14 and 15. 'They leave the woods littered

with beer and vodka bottles and they have even been painting the trees. Park wardens have had to tidy up the mess they make.

'When residents approach the youths they get abuse and threats. It is so bad that I'm considering moving house so I can have some peace of mind.'

PC Frank Morris of Ellesmere Port police said officers had already designated the Lindisfarne Avenue end of Stanney Woods a hot-spot area for trouble-makers.

'Now we are extending that hot-spot to cover Stanney Woods and all of its entrances. This also includes the nearby Whitby Sports & Social Club area,' he said.

'We are increasing patrols in the area but also encourage residents to keep us in the loop and tell us everything that's going on.

'Even better is if they recognise individuals. They should call and tell us straight away who these people are and what they are doing, so we can start targeting them,' he added.

Stanney beat officer PC Hannah Walsh and the town's Community Action Team can be contacted on 0845 458 6373, or leave information anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Michelle Brown, borough anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, urged any residents who want to discuss these issues to contact her at Ellesmere Port Police Station.