HOUSEHOLDERS at Backhill, in Malmesbury, are demanding action to curb rowdy youths after a man was assaulted outside his home on Saturday.

The 26-year-old was left with a bruising from the attack after he had gone out to complain about noise created by a group of youths at 11.25pm.

Malmesbury police said the matter had been investigated and a man in his 20s was helping them with their inquiries.

But Judy Jones, who lives in the area, said the incident was the culmination of long-term problems with youths who use the bench at the top of the steps at Backhill.

She said under age youths were drinking and acting rowdily.

"This situation has been a problem for some time and it seems to be getting out of hand," she said.

"It is the noise, people shouting and swearing in the early hours, and bottles and cans that have to be cleared up the next day."

Ms Jones has sent a petition with 12 signatures from residents to Malmesbury police, the town council and the district council requesting action is taken to stop further disturbances.

She said: "Clearly a lot of these children are under age. They got their alcohol from someone or somewhere."

She said she would like to meet with the authorities to work out a solution and called for the removal of the bench where the youths congregate.

"Everybody is sensitive not to say or do anything to further inflame the situation. We would like to get together with local authorities to build something positive," Ms Jones said.

"This has caused a lot of distress to people who live in the area."

PC Martin Alvis, the town centre beat officer at Malmesbury police, said action was being taken to resolve the problem of anti-social behaviour across the town.

He said: "We are aware of small pockets of individuals and groups and anti-social behaviour in the town. Those individuals are targeted."

In the next few weeks a new scheme of anti-social behaviour orders will be launched, which could result in troublemakers being banned from the town centre, said PC Alvis.