PEOPLE leaving pubs and clubs in Amesbury late at night are causing no end of heartache for one town centre couple, who told the Journal they had reached their "wits' end".

The couple, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, are woken at 1 or 2am four nights a week as clubbers wait in High Street and Salisbury Street for taxis home.

This can take an hour and, in the meantime, many of them have used the Co-op walls and alleyways along Salisbury Street as public urinals.

"It is irresponsible to allow clubs to operate when the customers have no means of transport home to the neighbouring villages and camps," the couple said.

"If the taxis collected people from the main Amesbury car park after 10pm, it would reduce the problems, as homes are not so close as to be disturbed by noise and there are toilets there.

"But, really, three nightclubs in the centre of Amesbury, which is a conservation area, is not a good situation.

"The ideal solution from our point of view would be if the clubs could be moved to the new industrial estate and out of the town centre."

The couple have spoken to Amesbury police on several occasions during the last few months in a bid to highlight their plight.

"We have had a word with the police several times but it really doesn't seem to get us anywhere," they said.

"In our youth, if you were drunk on the street the police did something about it. Now, they just watch you."

Inspector Tim Richards, of Amesbury police, said he would support any action that would make life more peaceful for town centre residents but that moving the taxi ranks might not solve the problems.

"It is a matter that requires very careful consideration," he said.

"Perhaps moving the taxis to the car park would be the answer but this is nothing to do with the police - it is a matter for the council."

Mayor of Amesbury Allan Peach added: "We are aware of the problems, and if the couple put their concerns in writing, we will look into the matter."