BY IAN ROSS

POLICE are increasing patrols in Biddulph in a bid to clamp down on problems caused by teenage gangs roaming the streets at night.

Crime and anti-social behaviour dropped by 90 per cent in the St John's Road area after a police crackdown on the tearaways.

However the problems have flared up again, in particular on the Thames Drive estate and around the library and Methodist church in Station Road.

As a result police are mounting 'high visibility' patrols in the trouble spots this week and next, doubling the usual number of officers from two to four.

"The current situation stemmed from problems in the St John's Road area in October," said Sgt Paul Withington.

"The problems ranged from abuse and threats towards local residents and shopkeepers by young people to criminal damage, vandalism and assault.

"The gangs we targeted were boys and girls between 12 and 17 years of age, and we did a month of high visibility patrols of the trouble spot areas.

"However since the new year there has been an upsurge of the problems, which have spread to other parts of the town, where two or three gangs are on the loose at some point every evening."

The patrols are aimed at reassuring the public, he said, as well as dealing with any problems.