YOBS are targeting empty houses in Weaverham.

Police said ASBOs could be on the cards after residents reported youths breaking into boarded up properties in Village Close and smashing windows.

PCSO Karen Nixon, from Weaverham’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are working with the community regarding some issues with anti-social behaviour in and around the Village Close area.

“Patrols have been stepped up and we are working with Cheshire West and Chester Council’s community safety wardens and the housing association with regards to a group of people in the area.

“We are in the process of gathering evidence to support Acceptable Behaviour Contracts with the possibility of progressing to ASBOs if the situation does not improve.

“I would encourage residents who are having any issues in this area to contact us with any information they have on those responsible.

“Anyone caught causing criminal damage, harassment or anti-social behaviour will be arrested and dealt with accordingly.

“This sort of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The Village Close development, at the corner of Northwich Road and Wallerscote Road, has been subject to a long-running dispute after part of it, referred to as Block A, was served with an enforcement notice because it was built out of line with its original planning permission.

The former Vale Royal Borough Council served the notice in 2008 and the developer, Anaconda Investments Ltd, was told to knock the house down and fined £2,000 when it failed to comply within the order.

But the company appealed against the decision and announced it would take its case to the High Court in July 2009.

The court case was finally resolved at Chester Crown Court, in July, when the court found in favour of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).

Meanwhile, NatWest bank has appointed GVA Grimley, of Manchester, as receivers over the Village Close development and the firm is in talks with CWAC about the fate of Block A.

A statement from the GVA Grimley said: “GVA Grimley has appointed managing agents to manage the development on its behalf.

“As regards the semi-detached properties, the company is in discussions with the council but it is likely that these will need to be demolished.”