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Teenage yobs have been forced out of Calne town centre after the council removed benches - but litter is still a huge problem.

Landlord of the Kings Arms Richard Snell wrote a letter of thanks to the council after it took action.

He said: "Since the benches have been removed the late night noise and anti-social behaviour have almost disappeared.

"There are odd incidents here and there but by simply removing the benches most of the trouble has stopped."

At a meeting earlier this month coun Helen Canfer said the town centre pavement was still in a bad state even though it receives regular steam cleaning by council staff.

Councillors agreed it was mainly kebab shop customers who dumped food and chip wrappers on the pavement.

The owners of the kebab shop have been reminded to clean up the streets but it was admitted the problem was out of the town council's control.

Councillors decided to scrap the benches for a six-week trial period in May after being deluged with complaints.

Members suggested pumping out classical music into the streets to stop gangs congregating.

But at a development control meeting, town councillors decided not to swamp the streets with Mozart but to remove two High Street benches.

They thought classical music would deter youths but traders and shoppers say benches outside The Charcoal Grill on The High Street have become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

11:58am Thursday 24th July 2008

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