Ref. 25610-17RESIDENTS claim gangs of egg-throwing youths are still making their lives a misery, in spite of promises from traders not to sell them to youngsters.

As reported in the Advertiser three months ago, supermarket stores Co-op in Wroughton High Street and Somerfield in the Ellendune Centre imposed a ban on the sale of eggs in an attempt to end attacks on homes and public buildings in the village.

But people living in Devizes Road and Mill Close, which backs onto recreation land, say youths aged between 14-18 continue to pelt their homes with eggs and even dog faeces.

Audrey Greening, who has lived in Devizes Road for the past eight years, believes more should be done to tackle the problem.

She said: "It's got really bad over the past six weeks or so. There are about eight to 10 of them in different groups.

"They will drink in the open space at the back of my house and throw glass bottles but you dare not go out to them.

"The police need to patrol the area more."

One 80-year-old resident of nearby Mill Close who has asked not to be named said that she is terrified of the gangs. "I always walk the longer route home rather than risk bumping into them," she said.

"There are one or two girls in the gangs.

"They seem to be worse than some of the lads. They are a real pain."

Wendy Brown and her husband, David, also of Mill Lane, say they have also been targeted.

Mrs Brown said: "We are caught in a difficult situation. Sometimes we go for a week without a problem then it all kicks off.

"The police do their job well, but they are powerless they have to see them actually throw the eggs.

"Of course as soon as the culprits see the police they run off."

The village's public library also bears marks of attacks.

Manager Rosemary Carter says the youths verbally abuse her when she confronts them.

She said: "They call me a lot of very hurtful names. The egg throwing has got to a bad stage. I do not see why the readers should be subjected to it. They should be able to choose their books in peace and quiet."

Coun Ann Richards, chairwoman of Wroughton Parish Council, acknowledged there is a problem.

She said: "I deplore the actions of these youths. We are suffering from a spate of vandalism at the moment. The council is committed to sorting this out.

"In the meantime I would remind shop owners not to sell eggs to young people. Hopefully with their help we can stamp it out."

A spokesman at Somerfield said: "We still have a policy to ban the sale of eggs to anyone who we feel may mis-use them."

Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op spokesman Adrian Barradell said: "We suspended the sale of eggs to youngsters back in April and we are continuing on that stance at the Wroughton store."

In spite of repeated requests for comment, Swindon police have failed to reply to our calls.