FIRE crews have echoed concerns about youths setting fires at a derelict garden centre after yet another incident.

The crews were called to land adjoining the former Hollands Garden Centre in Darwin Road at around 6.45pm, where vandals had set a bonfire.

The blaze had to be attended by units from Bolton Central and Farnworth fire stations, as crews from Bolton North were attending a car crash, depriving the south and centre of town much need firefighting resources.

It is the third time in the space of a week that crews have been called out to the site.

A fire thought to have been started deliberately was reported on May 3, and last weekend wood and old tyres were set alight at the back of the garden centre building.

Two months earlier, firefighters tackled a bonfire at the centre, which had also been started by youths.

Bolton North fire station watch manager Craig Cubbins said the vandals have been pulling down and burning fencing erected by the centre's new owners.

Watch manager Cubbins also warned about the dangers posed by crews having to be sent to the area and away from other potentially serious incidents ­— which could put lives at risk.

He said: "If an appliance is up there tackling a bonfire, then they can't be used for any other incidents.

"We are working with the police and the council on these types of issues."

Following Friday's incident Bromley Cross councillor David Greenhalgh described the situation as being of “huge concern” and called for a clampdown on antisocial behaviour at the site.

He also noted that councillors are working with police to discuss measures to tackle the problems, including the use of dispersal orders — giving police the power to remove anti-social groups and escort young troublemakers home.