GANGS of up to 50 youths are causing problems in a north Wiltshire village.

Residents of Box are becoming worried about gangs of youths gathering on the recreation ground at weekends.

Police officers said children are coming from Bath and Bradford on Avon to take part in the gang meetings.

Residents have raised concerns over alcohol abuse and criminal damage.

Corsham officers have promised to increase patrols to quell the public concern.

Sgt Deborah Ashley said: "It is an issue we are looking into and we will be involving the specials and all our officers so we can increase patrols in the area.

"We will be going down there and speaking to them. We are not going to ignore the problem because it won't go away. We will be informing their parents of where they are and what they are doing."

PC Andy Guy said residents have seen parents drive to the site to drop their children off. He said: "They are coming from Bath, Corsham and Bradford on Avon to meet at the site. They are drinking underage, disturbing the peace and causing damage. They knock the bins over and leave rubbish everywhere."

Police believe some of the youngsters are responsible for causing £1,000 damage to a coach within the last two weeks.

Parish council clerk Margaret Carey said it appeared to be the 'in' place for youngsters to gather.

She said: "It is particularly bad on a Friday evening."