PARENTS of troublesome children in Bradford on Avon could soon be sent letters highlighting their behaviour.

Sgt Mark Rees of Bradford on Avon Police addressed the town council on Tuesday and helped it form a plan to combat anti-social behaviour after councillors made it clear they thought it was a serious problem in the town.

Cllr Jocelyn Feilding suggested banning drinking in public places but Sgt Rees suggested a number of other options to tackle the problem.

He said: "Every Friday and Saturday night we find youngsters around the town drinking from tins of lager. What they tend to do is ask an older person to buy it for them."

He said getting parents involved had served as a "short, sharp shock" in the past and he plans to start sending letters out to parents of troublesome youngsters.

He said: "The youngsters involved are not just from socially deprived families. There is the other element from well educated and secure backgrounds.

"A significant proportion of parents will be horrified to hear what their children have been up to."

He also mentioned the benefits of using fixed penalty tickets, which can be handed out for minor offences.

He said: "These give us the opportunity to get that person to the police station and leaves them in no doubt that they have committed an offence. But the problem is they can only be used for people over 18."

Bradford on Avon police has one special constable, a voluntary, part time position, but is planning to advertise for more people to fill vacant positions.

It is also hoping to share community safety officers, who spend more time on the streets dealing with queries, with the Melksham police force.