BRIDGWATER'S anti-social behaviour problem has returned to the town centre causing dismay to residents.

In the past fortnight there have been reports of assaults, heavy drinking returning to Binford Place, and a group of youths intimidating residents in the town centre.

Speaking at Bridgwater Town Council on Thursday night, one resident who had been a victim of the group's intimidation, said she believed the youths had 'knives and knuckledusters'.

Another couple made a plea to the police for help with their daughter who they said was one of the troublemakers.

PC Dan Wheller answered questions from councillors and residents at the meeting, with reports of anti-social behaviour and unsavoury incidents being discussed heavily around the town and on social media in the past week.

PC Wheller said: "This is something we take very seriously, and we are putting officers on targeted patrols in the town centre."

He said the new Community Protection Orders (CPOs) were effective but relied upon the public for evidence.

"The old Asbos system was made a mockery of because it was so difficult to enforce, but that is not the case with CPOs - provided we have a strong evidence trail we can enforce them," PC Wheller said.

"When we have that evidence it can be very effective - two local people who breached CPOs are currently serving time in prison."

The couple whose daughter was one of the troublemakers, said: "People on social media have been quick to blame the parents but there is only so much we can do."

Another resident, who works in a town centre betting shop, said: "I have made reports of the youths behaviour and intimidation but had very little response.

"I witnessed an assault but no police officer has come and talked to me. I believe they have knives and knuckledusters."

Another local resident added: "Bridgwater is up and coming; we have a new hotel and have launched a tourism guide - but if visitors see what is going on in the town at the moment they won't be coming back."

PC Wheller said part of the problem was a lack of resources for the police.

"We would all like more officers policing the streets. Bridgwater has grown considerably in the last 10 years but our team has not," he said.

Mayor of Bridgwater Cllr Diogo Rodrigues responded: "We do not want to knock the police.

"We know our local officers work extremely hard but the problems are above with the likes of the PCC and central government making cuts which affect front line policing and youth provision."

Town council leader Brian Smedley added: "The town council always has the police as the first item on the agenda at every meeting and it is important we work with the police to tackle these issues.

"That being said; decisions taken outside of the community, such as moving the police station away from the centre of town, has not helped."