VILLAGERS in Culcheth have been left counting the cost after rampaging youths wreaked havoc during a three-night wrecking spree.

Culcheth Provisions Store and an under-construction betting shop were among the targets.

Vandals also left an industrial bin, from outside Newchurch Parish Hall, in the middle of Common Lane, risking a serious accident.

Attempts were also made to construct a treehouse out of leftover wood, beside Culcheth Common and a path was ripped up.

Then on Wednesday night, windows at Newchurch Parish Hall were smashed.

Borough councillors Keith and Sue Bland were inundated with calls from concerned residents.

Then they had the soul-destroying task of touring Culcheth common and nearby shops to survey the yobs' handiwork.

Particularly disheartening has been the re-emergence of nuisance teenagers in the area.

The outreach work of PC Jamie Thompson and community safety officers, based at Culcheth High, has been lauded across the village.

Clr Keith Bland says the development is depressing given the efforts made to save Culcheth Youth Base and plans to bring a new skate park to the area.

Police have promised to step up patrols in the area, according to the councillors.