GAZETTE & HERALD: URGENT talks have been set up to try and tackle escalating problems of theft and vandalism in the Redland area of Chippenham.

North Wiltshire District councillor Nina Phillips has arranged a meeting with the police and representatives from the housing association and local councils.

Problems on the troubled estate have increased following the loss of the area's two community police officers.

One left to join the professional police force while the other found a job with Wiltshire County Council.

Coun Phillips, who represents the ward, said no replacements had yet been found.

"It did make a difference having the community officers," she said.

"They did not have the same powers as full time police officers but it was a deterrent.

"I hope more community officers will come forward. In the meantime, perhaps we can do something else. Maybe the police can put more beat officers there at certain times."

She said the warm weather and light evenings had made matters worse and many residents were dreading the school summer holidays.

Problems on the estate have included large numbers of young people gathering outside the shops, vandalism, the theft of pots and plants fromfront gardens and people urinating the stairways of the flats above the shops.

The meeting, on June 24, will be attended by Chippenham's Inspector Neil Bagnell and a police colleague.

A representative from Westlea Housing Association, a cleansing and amenities officer and the anti-social behaviour order co-ordinator will also be there.