CONCERNS have been raised over a rise in anti-social behaviour in Winnington as 'intimidating' groups of youths 'cause misery' for residents.

A number of issues have been reported recently, including children and teens congregating on Alderley Road, Penrhyn Road and Sydney Street and intimidating residents and learner drivers near the DVSA Driving Test Centre on Felix Street.

There have also been reports of groups of youths ‘hanging around’ Moss Farm Leisure Complex, impacting people’s use of the sports field, the sand park, and the gymnastics club.

Cheshire Police are also continuing to investigate the arson attack at Northwich Rugby Club, based at Moss Farm, in which two boys, aged 12, were arrested in connection with the incident.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said more needed to be done by the police, schools and parents to curb this worrying behaviour.

They said: “You only have to turn the corner to be faced with groups of 12-year-olds.

“It is intimidating. They must be unsettling to residents, other children, and the learner drivers. Local residents are given abuse when they are told to move on.

“A serious review of the youth culture within Winnington needs to happen, with more police presence, more action from schools, and parents need to be held accountable if their children can’t be.”

Northwich Guardian: Moss Farm is a focus of anti-social behaviour (Google)Moss Farm is a focus of anti-social behaviour (Google) (Image: Google)

Inspector Jason Murray, from Cheshire Police, said the force was aware of recent issues and officers would continue to focus their attention on this area.

Inspector Murray said: "We are aware of recent concerns of anti-social behaviour in and around the Moss Farm area, and I want to make it clear to residents that we are doing all we can to address these issues.

"An action plan was put in place to provide enhanced on-site security and additional CCTV coverage.

"This, alongside increased police patrolling, has seen a reduction in incidents.

"The response to the recent arson on the site was swift, with two teenage boys arrested and subject to an ongoing investigation.

"Anti-social behaviour can have a devastating impact on local communities – the actions of a small minority can make life a living misery for those around it.

"I would also urge the community to report any incident of anti-social behaviour to us, not only in Moss Farm but across the area.

"We need the help of the public in reporting these matters to us, so we can respond and deal with them."

Cheshire West and Chester councillor for Witton, Sam Naylor, is hopeful a long-term solution to the problem is already in progress. 

He said: "I have been involved with Moss Farm for more than 45 years and still see it as a fantastic community asset.

"Since the swimming pool closed, the site has seen a decrease in management staff and a corresponding increase in antisocial behaviour, vandalism and littering.

"There is a plan for investment with £3m in the pot for improvement, and the current users are working with Cheshire West and Brio on how to return Moss Farm to its former glory.

"The police and management can only do so much, and they need residents and users to report incidents to them."