Staff from Vale Royal Borough Council have visited parents over the past three weeks to underline the threat.

"We are aware of some problems and certain specific issues are being tackled by the local Community Safety Partnership," said council housing chief Bob Floyd.

"In particular, we are talking to a number of parents whose teenage children are believed to be causing nuisance in the village."

The move follows widespread concern about gangs of youths hanging around the shops on Mere Lane and Fir Lane.

Residents have accused the youths of vandalism, abuse and intimidation - but many are too frightened to help police deal with the problem.

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