STOP MAKING MY LIFE A MISERY

Since opening a licensed shop in the village around 30 years ago, Mrs Carol Palin has seen a lot of cheeky youngsters grow up into regular pleasant customers.

But the proprietor of Bargain Booze feels attitudes have taken a turn for the worse during the last few years.

And recent incidents of vandalism and abusive behaviour outside the premises on Crewe Road confirm her beliefs.

"I have always been very careful to make sure drink has not been served to under-age teenagers and until fairly recently there were few problems," she said.

"But gradually over the past few years the shop has been plagued with youths hanging around.

"I don't serve them but sometimes they've attempted to intimidate my customers into buying either alcohol or cigarettes for them. Many people are now put off using my shop for fear of these youths.

"There are also a number of older people buying alcohol to distribute to under age drinkers. One person who has been found out is now banned."

Mrs Palin says around 30 to 40 youths now congregate outside her shop and have contributed to a loss in turn-over. She feels something needs to be done.

"I have been subjected to abuse from offensive youths and have suffered vandalism recently.

"You used to know all the youngsters and their parents but now with the growth of the village over the last five years, you don't anymore.

"It's getting very serious and I am appealing to the parents of these teenagers to exercise some control over them.

Haslington Cllr Dawn Threadgold backed Mrs Palin and hopes to see the adult community work together to ease the problem.

"I have received many complaints about the situation in Haslington and it has become a very serious problem. I know other villages suffer similar difficulties and we all need to work together and start tackling this problem."

BY TOBY ROBINSON

Picture - Looking for help to end anti-social behaviour in Haslington. Bargain Booze branch manager Carol Palin. Photo SANT 8176-15A.