Anti-social behaviour targeted against Manchester's strictly Orthodox community is to be investigated by local councillors and police.

Prestwich councillor Vic D'Albert told a local area partnership meeting that town planners had been "taken aback" by the large number of Charedim who reported anti-social behaviour at a consultation event designed to gauge public feeling about a proposed sports pitch. A key concern was instances of antisemitic abuse from drunken youths.

The intention is for the Sedgley Park Primary School facility to be sited among kosher shops and synagogues on Kings Road, in the heart of the Jewish community. The proposal is undergoing public consultation after planning permission was withdrawn following 35 letters objecting to the facility, which will remain unlocked and unlit for public use after school hours.

Simcha Wells was among 10 residents who protested at the meeting, claiming the proposal brought "nothing positive to the majority of residents who are Orthodox Jewish families". He said it would attract youths from outside the area and cause a "serious infringement of the peace and quiet of the Sabbath".

Tom Buggle of Bury Council's Park and Countryside Service said there were 25 ball zones in the area and he had "yet to see the kind of anti-social behaviour expected by residents".