UNDER-siege businesses in a well-to-do neighbourhood have been forced to employ security guards to ward off gangs of youths terrorising customers.

Fed-up shop owners in Cronton Lane have resorted to the drastic measure after customers were spat and sworn at, bins were set on fire and shoplifting and vandalism spiralled out of control.

"It's like the Wild West out there some nights," said Mary Fitzwilliam, who runs the Post Office and newsagents.

"Until recently, we have paid for security jointly between us and the chippy for six months, and before that we employed them ourselves for four months. It's incredible to think it's got that bad that a newsagents need security guards!"

Mrs Fitzwilliam, who runs the store with her daughter, says employing a private security firm was costly but the only way to protect her customers and her livelihood.

"It does work because the guards encouraged them to come in, buy what they want then move on," she said.

One customer was intimidated by a gang after calling in for fish and chips on her way home from work.

"They were blocking the doorway as I went in and one deliberately barged into me in the queue and started muttering insults," said Justine, aged 36, from Hough Green.

"The woman behind the counter was great and asked if they were giving me hassle and threw them out.

"Then when I left she said: 'Don't worry love, we've got security guards outside'.

"I've lived in Widnes all my life and never come across anything like it!"

Mrs Fitzwilliams says the trouble was caused by a mixed gang of teenagers led by two older ringleaders.

An increased police presence recently has allowed them to suspend security for now although they are ready to call them back at the first sign of trouble.