THE benches at the Cloister Gardens in Malmesbury are being removed for a month in an experiment to see if it reduces crime.

The secluded area behind Malmesbury Abbey is a notorious haunt for youngsters and pornography, needles and empty drink cans and bottles have been found scattered around the four benches in the gardens.

The police said they had noticed a significant reduction in crime last year when the benches were removed after being smashed by vandals.

Malmesbury Town Council decided to replace the benches earlier this year because the benches were popular with tourists and people having lunch.

But the council has bowed to pressure from the police to remove the benches for a month to see if it reduces crime. The benches have been moved to Tetbury Hill cemetery until the end of June.

The Cloister Gardens are owned by the Abbey House Gardens and had been on a 99-year lease to the town council. But owners Barbara and Ian Pollard say they are hoping to take control back from the council and plan to build a £20,000 fence around the area to keep the vandals out.

The money will also be spent to plant roses to make the garden look more attractive. Mr Pollard said: "The fencing is what the police want to control both drugs and anti-social behaviour.

"The gardens are there for public use not public abuse."