COPS are cracking down on trouble-making youngsters in Westgate.

The boys in blue have drawn up a special action plan to battle rowdies who are making life hell for locals in the Wingate Park area.

They have joined forces qith officials from Lancaster city council following reports of large numbers of youths gathering in the park drinking, making excess noise and intimidating residents.

Sgt Jim Edmonds, from Morecambe, says: "Extra resources have been deployed to this area to tackle the problem and many youths have been entered into the Youth Referral System.

"Alcohol has been seized from youths and a joint operation with trading standards has been conducted across the area.

"Parents have also been contacted as part of this operation, and asked to attend Wingate Park to collect their children if found to be involved with anti-social behaviour."

He adds: "This behaviour will not be tolerated and we will continue to take positive action against those found committing offences."

Sgt Edmonds goes on that police are also looking for a long term solution such as better street lighting.

And Cllr David Kerr says: "This has been an ongoing problem for some time and I am delighted that action is being taken to help the local residents.

"Sgt Edmonds and his team are determined to help the residents and hopefully there will be big improvements."