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A north west town is grappling with shuttered shops and "feral" gangs of children, according to residents living there. St Helens, which shares a border with Greater Manchester, has dominated headlines over recent days following reports of antisocial behaviour.

Pop Up Market Co, which has operated markets in Church Square within St Helens town centre and in Earlestown throughout the past year, announced on Tuesday it would cease operations at both venues due to antisocial behaviour having a "real impact" on business. The council, however, disputed these assertions.

Officials stated there had been just one recent incident of such conduct at the market which was addressed "immediately". A group of youths targeted The Range store on Chalon Way West on Tuesday evening.

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