A SCEHEME aimed at stopping youths causing a nuisance is being launched by police this weekend.

Operation Stephenson, which will last for four weeks, will be launched in Rainhill Village in an effort to combat the escalating youth problem in the area.

Sergeant Peter Staunton, said: "We have launched this operation in response to a growing number of complaints from local residents about groups of youths causing annoyance and in some cases damage. The main problems seem to occur between 6 and 10pm on Saturday and Sunday nighst in the Dunbeath Avenue and Danecourt areas. Some of the gangs involved can number up to 50 members and can be very intimidating."

Over the next four weeks police will be visiting local schools and increasing patrols in the area in an effort to combat the problem and they warn that anyone committing an offence will be summonsed or arrested.

ANYONE interested in forming a residents action group in the Rainhill area can contact PC Charmaine Smith at the local sector office on 0151 777 6858.

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