LOCAL councillors met with residents to discuss the growing anti-social behaviour problem in one north Cumbria town.

Wigton town council discussed the problem at a full council meeting on Wednesday.

Among the issues being raised was teenagers climbing across building roofs, boy racers speeding through Wigton and bottles being smashed across the town.

One local resident, Lisa Hodgson, who raised the issue with the town council, said: “I am 37 and have lived in Wigton for 20 years and I have never known it to be this bad. I know a few years ago we had some problems during the school holidays, but nothing like this. It is quite a big problem.

“I feel so strongly and passionately about it.If it is not sorted it is going to get worse and worse.

“I think it is a problem with policing. We need to sit down with the police and see. I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw police patrolling the town at night. Everyday there is an incident.”, people on roofs, cars racing up and down.”

Deputy mayor of Wigton, Sandra Keaveney, acknowledges there is a problem.

She said: “If people see anything we would urge them to contact 101, or if they see a crime in motion they should call 999. Without the community reporting these issues to the police, there will be the perception that there is no problem.”

Lisa fears that teenagers of a similar age to her son may get embroiled in the problems.

“I don’t fear for his safety, I just don’t want him involved in it. He is a decent behaved son.”

Local police reported the following crimes in August and September:

n Man arrested for being over the prescribed limit in Cross Lane on August 16 .

n Theft of a handbag from Lidl on September 14.

n Man arrested for public order offence in West Street on September 16.

n Man caught trying the doors of vehicles near to the train station and was arrested for vehicle interference on September 19.

n Vehicle damaged in the carpark of Factory Shop on September 20.

n Window of a vehicle smashed and the side dented on September 24.

n Car found on fire in Langrigg on October 1 and the owner’s property had been broken into. Enquiries are ongoing.

Mayor of Wigton, Elaine Lynch, said: “The police said they are going to have more of a presence in the area, we have been working with police for 18 months now. We are all aware of what is going on and we are working with the police.”

A police spokesman said: “The comments made are not reflective of the reports we are seeing as a constabulary. So far this month we have only received three reports relating to anti-social behaviour in the Wigton area – one of which related to kids drinking and shouting in the park. We would strongly urge people to report such incidents to the police.” Without this information it is not possible for officers to get an accurate picture of people’s experiences.

Our resourcing is led to a large extent by intelligence so it is vital people contact us if there are issues.

People can call 999 if a crime is in progress. For non-emergencies they can call 101 or contact us online to avoid having to make a call: 101@cumbria.police.uk