TRADERS and town councillors in Calne want the police to do more to discourage under-age drinking, which they believe is inhibiting the regeneration of the town centre.

They are concerned groups of under-age drinkers congregating outside the town hall, Sainsbury's car park and behind Lloyds Bank are intimidating to tourists, investors and the public.

Town councillors are calling on Sergeant Nic Shorten to take a tougher stance on youths and increase the police presence in the town centre.

Coun Tony Trotman, a partner in Trotman's hardware store in the town centre, said: "We are trying to make the town attractive for tourists and businesses.

"The sight of groups of youngsters falling about, especially if they're carrying bottles, doesn't do the town any good at all.

"We want more police on the streets to combat this problem."

He has called for the introduction of a by-law prohibiting public drinking in the town centre.

Sgt Shorten said: "I'm not happy with youths drinking by the town hall, it doesn't look attractive, it's intimidating and we will try to discourage it. If we find under-age drinkers in town they will have their details taken and their alcohol confiscated.

"We will be looking for parental guidance to play a part but youngsters must understand they shouldn't be buying alcohol until they have reached their maturity."

Calne's Crime Prevention Panel suspects over 18s are buying alcohol for underage drinkers and then charging them a commission.

Off licences such as Unwins, in the High Street, have a strict policy of checking the ID of anyone they believe to be under 18.

But Unwins manager David Hitchens admits there is nothing to stop customers selling alcohol to under-age buyers.