PENSIONER Rachel Wetzel said something must be done to stop children ruining householders' hedges by jumping into them and running along the tops.

She said the children's actions were damaging hedges in Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham, beyond repair.

"People work hard to keep their hedges nice and when the children do this is means they don't grow back properly," she said.

"When they grow back there will be great big holes in them."

The problem has been going on for months along the whole road and Mrs Wetzel said it was time someone stood up to be counted.

"We can't just ignore it, something should be done," she said.

"Parents need to be asking their children where they are at night and what they are doing.

"I am not a trouble maker but I feel attention must be brought to this matter."

Mrs Wetzel said she took great pride in her surroundings even though her house belonged to the housing association. She said she was also worried about the children's safety.

"I am worried that they will hurt themselves or have a bad accident. I do not want this to happen," she said.

Mrs Wetzel has contacted the local primary schools, including Frogwell School, and asked them to address the problem.

"There is complacency these days that if children do something like this it is brushed aside as just something children do. But I don't agree. I think it should be brought to light so parents know what their kids are doing," she added.

District and town councillor Maureen Lloyd said she was putting her support behind Mrs Wetzel.

But the problem stretches further than just damaging hedges, said Mrs Wetzel.

She said it was an anti-social behaviour problem and many children were cheeky to her if she confronted them.

"I have osteoarthritis and walk with a stick. One night some kids came past in the dark and on bikes and nearly knocked me over. I called out to them and all they gave me was cheek," she said.

"People are too scared to say anything or stand up for themselves because whatever one does we get abuse about it."