Police take action as shop problems return

1:10pm Friday 29th August 2008

TROUBLEMAKERS have made an unwelcome return to a Winsford street, say residents.

Neighbours living in Siddorn Street say the undesirables they spent three years campaigning to get rid of were back on their doorsteps last week.

The trouble ceased when the off licence, which at the time was called the Nip In, had its license revoked last August after it became the hub for anti-social behaviour in the area.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “We have had gangs of lads and girls sitting outside the house drinking and getting louder and louder.

“We have seen them fighting, urinating and smashing bottles and that went on for three years, but now it’s starting again.”

Winsford Police confirmed they had had more complaints during the past two weeks.

Insp Dave Snasdell said: “When the licence was revoked the trouble did quieten down and in fairness when Mr Burke took over it has been well run.

“But over the past few weeks we have started having problems again and there has been an increase in calls to the police of anti-social behaviour regarding the conduct of the shop.”

Residents say that when the new owners – Neil and Sharon Burke – took over the premises in April and were granted a new licence the trouble stopped, but Mr and Mrs Burke are now understood to have left the premises.

On Sunday, August 17 police swooped on the shop and issued a 24-hour notice to stop them selling alcohol following reports that alcohol was being sold without a licence holder present.

Residents say they are dreading the anti-social behaviour spiralling out of control again if it changes hands.

The concerned neighbour added: “All the residents will push to try and get something done before the trouble snowballs again.”

Police have said they are monitoring the situation.

But Siddorn Street trader Akbar Ahmed from the Dildar said that Oliver’s is being unfairly targeted.

“Why is it Oliver’s that keep getting harassed,” he said.

“I have been here for 13 years and they don’t harass me or anyone else – it’s very unfair that they keep getting targeted.

“The shop is run normally and they are just trying to make a living.”