POLICE were left with little option but to take drastic action to curb anti-social behaviour blighting a part of Northwich over the weekend.

The force put a dispersal order in place between the Greenbank and Castle area between 8.45pm and midnight on Saturday, June 26.

Many residents have been complaining about anti-social behaviour in the area and police received information that a fight had been planned.

Sgt Andrew Cooper said: "A dispersal order has been put in place from 20:45hrs until 23:59hrs today for the area of Saxon Lane Park area between the Greenbank and Castle area.

"This is due to reports received that anti-social behaviour and a fight is planned for this evening.

"If you know your teenagers are out in that area tonight, then please look to get them back home / out of the area."

One local resident contacted the Guardian to say there has been ongoing issues with large groups of youths hanging around the play area in the park off Saxons Lane.

They said: "I live right near it and there is smashed glass most days when I walk my dog there.

"The police are called often and local people are fed up.

"We can often spend ages in the queue reporting issues to the police using 101.

"Police have clearly had enough now."