'ENOUGH is enough' - that is the clarion call from town hall chiefs as a minority of young people in Bolton continue to flout social distancing guidelines ­— making a mockery of the efforts of the rest of the borough.

Last night, the three main parties in Bolton stood together to condemn the actions of teenagers fighting in the streets, gathering for large outdoor parties, drinking and taking illegal substances.

Their actions fly in the face of official government guidance ­— and risk causing a second wave of coronavirus deaths in Bolton.

Pictures from over the weekend have shown large groups of teenagers drinking and inhaling laughing gas at Lower Rivington Reservoir; anti-social behaviour of up to 50 young people in Bromley Cross; and litter, including empty nitrous oxide canisters, left strewn across Moses Gate Country Park.

The Bolton News:

There were also numerous reports of people risking their lives jumping into reservoirs.

Easing of the lockdown restrictions were scheduled to start on Monday, with up to six people allowed to meet in outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens.

READ MORE: Revellers doing 'hippy crack' at Bolton reservoir

But before then, some were already pushing these new rules to the limit.

Council leaders have expressed concerns about the level to which people have been keeping to the rules in Bolton, potentially leading to a second wave of coronavirus deaths.

The Bolton News:

The leader of Bolton Council, David Greenhalgh, said: “Over the last week we have seen an alarming increase in the numbers of teenagers gathering in open spaces, causing anti-social behaviour, fuelled by alcohol and drugs.

“This behaviour would be unacceptable at any time but during lockdown, when we’re trying to stem the spread of a deadly virus, it is absolutely disgraceful. Enough is enough.

READ MORE: People jump from bridge into Yarrow Reservoir, Rivington

“They are seriously putting the lives of their families ­— and everyone else ­— at risk.”

Cllr Greenhalgh said he wanted to see more police enforcement to combat the issue.

The Bolton News:

He added: “I have spoken with police chiefs personally over the last week and they have increased their patrols in hotspot areas, which we welcome.

“But I believe we are way beyond engaging with these kids. These groups have a blind disregard for the consequences of their actions, and enforcement needs to be stepped up.

“I will be speaking with the head of GMP and Andy Burnham to allow local police to use the powers they have to enforce lockdown much more strongly.

“Lockdown is not easy, but parents, for their own safety as well, need to take responsibility for their children.

“It is unacceptable that so much police resource is taken up with this, and that the fire service have been called out numerous times to put out camp fires on the moors.

“We will continue to work constructively with the police to look what extra powers both the council and GMP have to address the issue.”

The Bolton News:

Cllr Andy Morgan, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, who also runs Bakewells Care Home in Deane, said: “It’s about asking parents ‘do you know where your kids are?’

“At the moment they are endangering themselves and their grandparents.

“We all need to take heed of it if we are to keep progressing in the right direction. We need to educate them that this is not right. It’s currently unacceptable.”

He added: “People have got to be responsible for their own actions. We don’t want to have to go back into further lockdown. If we follow guidelines then we will all be able to meet up again soon.”

Bolton's Labour leader, Cllr Nick Peel, agreed with the sentiments of his rival councillors.

He said: “We know that social distancing stops the spread of the virus, that’s proven.

“If some are willing to take the risk they might be passing it to someone who doesn’t want to take the risk.”

The Bolton News:

Cllr Peel also criticised the governments “mixed messages”.

He said: “People are now just taking it into their own hands which is very very dangerous, the situation is way too delicate for that.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr Roger Hayes described people’s actions as “totally irresponsible".

He said: “They are risking not just themselves but all people.

“People are looking for role models and when they see they government getting away with it they think why should I bother. Police should be being more proactive.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “As certain restrictions are eased, we urge everyone to please be considerate of others, stay safe and continue to follow guidelines.

“If you do see anyone breaking the regulations, please report it to GMP.”

GMP were approached for a comment.