FIVE youths shouted abuse at parish council staff and damaged the fire door of a community centre in Stratton.

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council has stepped up security at its offices to ensure that staff and residents are kept safe from anti-social behaviour and harassment.

The parish council has contracted Swindon-based company WillSecure to carry out patrols around the Meadowcroft Community Centre, the nearby recreation ground on Addison Crescent, and the St Phillips allotments.

Council clerk Tracy Predeth said: "This behaviour will not be tolerated and action is being put in place to combat it. We are also looking at schemes where we can work with the youths of the parish to help combat boredom and enable them to have more ownership of their surrounding areas.

"The council works closely with Wiltshire Police but understand that they also face limited resources. We would like to thank the local police for their swift action following the incident.