POLICE are set to crack down on nuisance youths after reports of anti-social behaviour at Moss Farm sports centre.

Groups of young people are meeting on fields drinking alcohol and causing a general nuisance, which has included incidents of public order, damage and littering with empty cans and bottles found on the playing fields.

Over the coming weeks police will be patrolling at key times to prevent these incidents.

Beat officer PC Mike Jepson said: "All alcohol found in the possession of young people will be confiscated.

"Anyone who doesn't have a legitimate reason for being on the fields will be escorted from the site.

"Be warned - any persons responsible for anti-social behaviour will be targeted. We will not hesitate to inform parents of disruptive behaviour and where appropriate individuals will be arrested."

Police have teamed up with leisure centre staff and it has been agreed that the main entrance gate to the centre will be locked at approximately 11pm.

Chris Bottomley, Vale Royal Borough Council's head of leisure and cultural services, said: "We are pleased that the CAT team is taking this proactive approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour that from time to time does indeed affect Moss Farm.

"It is hoped that the CAT team can not only prevent any problems but also signpost young people at risk of inappropriate behaviour into some of the many activities on site."

Clr Albert Bailey, chairman of the joint management committee for the Hartford sports centre, said: "If young people think we don't provide the sort of facility or activity they want to take part in, we would be pleased to hear from them in a positive way rather than through vandalism and anti-social behaviour."

Anyone wishing to report crimes and incidents can ring PC Jepson on 0845 458 6392 and leave a message, or email Northwich.cat@cheshire.pnn.police.uk