COMMUNITY leaders are fighting back against a gang of teenagers causing havoc at schools and in Westbury town centre.

Up to 10 teenagers from the Westbury area could be given anti-social behaviour orders banning them from parts of the town.

The group, who are all between 16 and 19-years-old, are blamed by community leaders for abusing staff and pupils at Matravers Secondary School and causing a nuisance around the town.

Now town councillors, representatives from the affected schools and Westbury police are joining forces to fight back and are considering going to the courts to get the banning orders.

A meeting of community leaders on December 9 will name the youngsters and begin the action that could see up to 10 teenagers facing legal action.

Nigel Gilhespy, headteacher at Matravers School, said: "At lunch times they will congregate on the school fields and walk through the school shouting abuse at teachers and pupils.

"But this is a community of Westbury problem. These same people have been causing difficulties for people in town, and by holding these talks we want to reduce the effect on the whole community."

The call for ASBOs has the backing of Westbury police who will help collect evidence if community leaders reach an agreement.

If the ASBOs are successful the group may be banned from all school grounds, public open spaces and even Westbury High Street.

Horace Prickett, town mayor, said: "We will launch the official process on December 9. These youngsters make a nuisance of themselves setting on people, being abusive and we suspect them of acts of graffiti."

Attending the meeting will be representatives from Oldfield Park Junior School, Matravers School, town council, police, county and district councils and the youth offending team.

Pippa McVeigh, west Wiltshire district community safety officer, said: "In general terms we must always follow the protocol in discussing any anti-social behaviour which may or may not lead to ASBOs.

"These are problem solving meetings between all the interested parties and will follow the correct procedures in tackling any reports of anti-social behaviour."

The meeting on December 9 will be held behind closed doors.