SOME success has been claimed by police tackling an outbreak of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in a number of West Somerset communities.

The Free Press reported in January how gangs of ‘feral’ youngsters were causing trouble in Minehead, Watchet, and Williton.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said officers had been taking steps since then to tackle the issue.

The spokesperson said police had been ‘engaging with our known group of youths’ to help reduce the issues affecting the communities.

They said: “Although anti-social behaviour is still present in Williton, Watchet, and Washford, there has been a reduction in behaviour that impacts the wider community, as our increased presence often deters individuals from causing further issues.

“By increasing patrols and responding promptly to calls from the public, we have been able to resolve incidents such as illegal bike riding in the Williton area, as well as prevent regular groups from entering premises they are banned from, or causing alarm or distress to residents.”

“We encourage members of the community to report any issues to us online or via 101.

“This enables us to investigate reports and take appropriate action against any offenders.

“In an emergency, always telephone 999.”

However, despite the crackdown, Watchet Town Council has been forced to lock its Harbour Road public toilets after repeated incidents of vandalism which have cost it several hundreds of pounds to repair.

Town clerk Jo Grellier said most recently there had been internal damage to cubicles and recurrent damage to the external and internal locking systems.

Ms Grellier said councillors had manually opened and closed the toilets for use during the town’s first street fair of the year.

But, they would have to remain closed to the public until internal repairs and locking system repairs had been completed and signed off by the council’s environmental and health and safety officer.