Young people in Cricklade have hit back at claims they are responsible for the town's crime problems.

Some residents say the town is no longer a safe haven, but a place where vandalism, burglaries and underage drinking are rife and the finger of blame is often pointed at the town's young people.

On Monday, the Evening Advertiser highlighted residents' concerns that there is not enough policing in the town.

But Cricklade's teenagers say they should not take the blame for most of the crime in the town.

Tom Sherbourne, 16, of North Meadow Road, Cricklade, said: "I am shocked at the way the youth of Cricklade are portrayed.

"We are seen as trouble-makers. We want to put the record straight.

"We do not gather in groups of 50, maybe there is ten of us at a time. And we don't always go to the town centre. In a small town like this there is always going to be some crime, but to say that we are all the cause of it is unfair and untrue.

"Obviously there is a small minority of people who do cause trouble, but no more than any other place."

Frank Grindrod, 16, of Keels, Cricklade, said: "This has tarred us all with the same brush as the minority of troublemakers. People who did not think that we were troublemakers before now do.

"Cricklade has no more trouble than anywhere else and the policing here is totally sufficient. There's always a good presence on a Friday and Saturday night.

"It's a safe community. They do not provide us with anywhere to go, like a skate ramp, so where do they expect us to gather? We can't all stay at home.

"Getting a bus into Swindon is not a consideration. The buses are too infrequent and are not late enough.

"We like living here and most of us will be here for the foreseeable future, so why do they assume that we are troublemakers just because we like to gather together?"

A new police inspector, John Tapper, has just taken over responsibility for Cricklade.

He has pledged that the town will have four constables and a sergeant, backed up by colleagues in neighbouring Wootton Bassett, which he is adamant is sufficient for the needs of its residents.

Full-time Cricklade youth worker Hazel Wykes said: "It is unfair that they have been portrayed this way and I am hoping that by having their voice heard, people will realise that it is only a minority and not tar everyone with the same brush."