Government ministers have given an encouraging response to North Wiltshire MP James Gray in his drive to curb boy racers in Malmesbury.

Noise levels have soared since youngsters fitted bigger exhausts.

Mr Gray this week announced that he received “encouraging responses” from ministers.

“I was especially pleased to see the Home Office Minister’s comments about the powers which local police and local authorities have to seize vehicles which are causing a nuisance, and to make bye laws prohibiting the use of vehicles in particular areas,” said Mr Gray He had consulted the police who assured him that the change of car exhausts was within the law.

He felt that this law should be changed.“I have received encouraging responses from ministers at the Home Office and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in reply to my recent letter about vehicle noise nuisance and boy racers, which is a problem particularly affecting my constituents in Malmesbury,” said Mr Gray.

He said altering an exhaust or silencer to increase noise is against regulations.

The youths claim improving on their cars is a hobby and that their intentions were good and not out of spite. They claimed that they were not getting drunk or taking drugs.

Wiltshire councillor Simon Killane praised Mr Gray’s campaign. “It is a very positive step and I am pleased that Mr Gray has followed up on his commitment and it is good for the police to have clarification on their position and what power they have to act on this situation.

“Malmesbury police do a great job and we are liaising closely on this issue.”