A COUNCILLOR has called for a crackdown following an increase in youth crime.

Gloucestershire county councillor for Bourton and Northleach Paul Hodgkinson claims that reports of threatening behaviour, swearing and drug taking have increased in the last six months.

Cllr Hodgkinson chaired a meeting in May outlining the issues.

Cllr Hodgkinson said: "Over the last 6 months I’ve been approached by a lot of residents about the problem of anti-social behaviour in Bourton on the Water.

"These issues range from a group of children and young adults threatening other people, swearing, drinking and taking drugs as well as littering around the village.

"As a result of this I first invited the police and crime commissioner Martin Surl to come to Bourton in February to hear for himself the challenges we face.

"He heard from residents first hand and recognised the need to take action to sort this out. Now, we’ve had a follow up to this meeting in May.

"On a hot evening, I chaired the meeting at the Community Centre and 70 residents turned out to voice their continued worries over crime.

"In particular, the police were told that more had to be done to show that anti social behaviour is unacceptable and can’t be tolerated.

"There were heartfelt examples from people whose lives are being negatively impacted.

"The police inspector for the area, Karen Ellis, has committed to working with local people to get to grips with the situation.

"Key members of the community will be working with the police in the next few months to help bring the issues under control.

"Individuals who have been causing problems are being identified and further action will be taken."

"But the police do need people to come forward with specific examples otherwise they can’t act. The number to ring is 101."

Cllr Hodgkinson added that the village green, the Naight playing field and around the Melville Estate were all mentioned as particular problem areas.

CCTV in the village has not been ruled out, although Cllr Hodgkinson conceded that the cost could be a problem.