MEMBERS of Melksham Pubwatch will hold crisis talks about the group's future next week because they do not feel they are getting enough support from the community.

Chairman Cameron Scott said the 10-year-old association was in danger of falling to pieces because of the level of criticism drinkers had received from residents.

He is furious with negative comments during a public meeting last month to discuss anti-social behaviour in the town.

Mr Scott claimed a handful of the 27 pubs on his books were threatening to resign but hopes talks at a meeting on Tuesday will persuade them to stay.

He said: "We have reached crisis point. It has made us think what's the point in going on. But I'm sure after next week we will prevail and continue to make a contribution.

"Melksham Pubwatch has always taken a mature approach to the problems we tackle, but perhaps it is time we started taking a stronger line against some of our critics."

Mr Scott is calling for people to play their part in the fight against low-level crime.

He said: "Thousands of people go to Melksham pubs every day but very few of these are drunk and disorderly.

"People all too quickly forget about the youngsters the police can't touch, the yobs that speed through the town and vandalism in general. You cannot blame all the antisocial behaviour on pubs."

Ten drinkers from Melksham have been barred for life. Three have received temporary bans.

John Stewart, manager of the Navy Tavern in the Market Place, said: "Very few problems happen in the pubs. There is nothing landlords or door staff can do about it if it happens on the street.

Sgt Mike White, of Melksham Police, said: "Pubwatch is an organisation supported by the police not run by the police. It is up to them to sort out their internal differences."

"Obviously, we would like to see it stay together because it is important for us to work with licensees to solve problems of disorder."