Councillors in Wootton Bassett have agreed to take action after residents complained of anti-social behaviour in the town.

Tanners Close off Station Road has become a trouble hotspot in recent months and residents have complained to the council of underage drinking, littering and damage to their homes.

In a letter to the council, resident Richard West expressed concerns that youths were using the area next to the former public toilets as a meeting place.

He said: “Many of them cause no problem, as they use the alleyways as short cuts to and from Station Road, however, in recent years, increasing numbers are meeting in groups to drink, drop all manner of food and litter and cause minor damage to walls and fences.

“Much of the drinking that takes place is under age drinking and intoxicated individuals become very loud and in some instances, aggressive, abusive and destructive.

He added: “This area is becoming a danger to the public due to broken glass and waste food attracting vermin. There is also the presence of an electric mini-sub station, which has been vandalised and poses a serious life threat to a young person foolish enough to climb into it.”

Sergeant Martin Alvis of Wootton Bassett police said: “Police patrol the area on a regular basis and as a result, in recent months, a few young people have been found in possession of cannabis and have received tickets and cautions.”

Councillors agreed to write formal letters to Wiltshire Council, Westlea Housing Association and the electricity company which owns the substation to ensure the area is closely monitored.