No control

A meeting of Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council heard that gangs have been gathering outside the Clay Lane house.

They were said to have thrown eggs and stones at windows and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to property.

Karen Lynch, Burtonwood Residents' Association chairman, lives near the home. She said: "In the past three to four years, the whole area has changed completely.

"There is more noise with windows being smashed and the presence of police vehicles at night. Their language is absolutely atrocious and these kids are climbing in and out of windows - there is just no control."

The Rowantree home looks after teenagers with extreme behavioural problems and currently houses one boy.

Clr Terry O'Neill believes it is a magnet for trouble and thinks that the staff are not sufficiently trained. He said: "I think that the nucleus of the problem is this house and the way it is being managed."

Mark Williams, Rowantree representative, said his staff provide 24-hour, qualified care.

He said: "The one occupant in that house is not responsible for all the problems in Burtonwood.

"We can do nothing about children congregating outside our house. We're not to blame for problems that are endemic in the area."

Clr John Joyce agreed it was not just Rowantree's problem, but urged: "We need you to be a more responsible neighbour."

And Mr Williams admitted there was a 'management issue' in the house and said they were trying to recruit new staff.

He explained that the company had suffered break-ins and a lot of damage to their own property and said they are equally determined to put an end to the trouble.

He said: "We are part of that community and we will do our best to do what we can to solve this problem."