FRUSTRATED residents have criticised the "disrespectful" vandals who disregard the hard work of those trying to better the town.

In recent years, many residents have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and alcohol usage in Leigh town centre, which often leaves people feeling unsafe.

Other issues have been raised with reports of vandalism and criminal damage, with residents frustrated about the lack of respect this shows towards the town.

Recent examples include the damage to a memorial garden set up by volunteers opposite the Pete Shelley memorial and the vandalism of council-owned planters and flower beds along Bradshawgate.

With an image of the latter posted on social media, hundreds of residents expressed their frustration about the "disrespectful" actions that attacks the work of those trying to improve the look of the town.

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Vandals wrecked the Pete Shelley memorial garden earlier this summerVandals wrecked the Pete Shelley memorial garden earlier this summer (Image: Pete Shelley Memorial Group)
Although the latest incident of the vandalism attracted many responses on social media, this is not the first time something like this has happened in Leigh.

This is one of the reasons why police, wardens and safety marshals have patrolled the town centre in recent months, to try and deter this kind of behaviour and catch those responsible.

Wigan Council said it is aware of the most recent act of vandalism and is working with Greater Manchester Police to ensure the culprits are found.

Mark Whur tried to repair the vandalised planterMark Whur tried to repair the vandalised planter (Image: Mark Whur)
Cllr Yvonne Klieve, lead member for district centres and night-time economy said “We have sadly seen more than one incident of this unacceptable behaviour in our town centres, and we are working with Greater Manchester Police to ensure the culprits are found. It is illegal to cause damage to public property, and it really damages civic pride in our town centres.

“Our Community Safety Partnership has provided town centre wardens who are carrying out daily safety patrols in Wigan and Leigh town centres to tackle and reduce this kind of anti-social behaviour. 

“Our teams will be out reinstating this planting as soon as possible.”