POLICE arrested six people after a mass brawl on a troubled estate on Monday. About 20 young people were involved in the fight in Francis Street, on the Seymour Estate, and residents say they have been plagued by anti-social behaviour for years.

Mother-of-four Joy Elkins, 38, has lived in Francis Street for about 20 years and said it has got so bad in the past two years she wants to move.

She said: "You never know when it will all kick off again. This has only been going on for a few months but the estate has got worse over in the last two years.

"It is just waiting for the next incident. We are living on a knife edge waiting for something to happen."

Mrs Elkins, who is due to give birth this week, said her teenage son and daughter, 16-year-old Richard and Rebecca, 14, got involved in the incident on Monday after Rebecca tried to stop the fight and got hurt and her brother waded in to help.

Both were arrested but later released without charge.

Mrs Elkins criticized the police approach to the problems in the area and said things had got worse since they lost their dedicated Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) about six months ago.

"The police need to listen to the residents more. At the moment they are basically arresting whoever they see at the time," she said. "It would help if we had more foot patrols. If they come in a car they are down here for about 10 minutes and then they are gone."

Sgt Steve Jones, of Trowbridge police, said: "We are investigating the allegations that are brought to our attention.

"We would ask residents to continue to report incidents, which will be dealt with as a matter of urgency with a view to prosecuting offenders."

Trowbridge Town councillor Tom James, who lives nearby, said: "People have just had enough. This has been going on for years but has come to a head in the past six months." He said the problems are fuelled by drink and drugs and include issues with loud music and anti-social behaviour as well as violence and intimidation.

Police were also called to the estate a week earlier after numerous reports of disorder involving two opposing gangs of youths.

Sgt Jones said patrols by both uniformed officers and PCSOs have been increased in the area to try and prevent future disturbances.

A local youth aged 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before magistrates at Chippenham on Wednesday charged with violent disorder and the possession of an offensive weapon.

Darren Newbury, 19, and Jonathan Bourne, 18, both of Francis Street, Trowbridge, also appeared in court and were charged with violent disorder.

Michael Collins, 21, of Langford Road, Trowbridge, was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. All four were released on bail until August 10.