A wave of antisocial behaviour has continued across Melksham, with further incidents reported despite police intervention.
A 48-hour dispersal order covering the town centre and Queensway ended on 26th October, following reports of youth-related violence. By 29th October, police had received six further reports of antisocial behaviour, while Evie’s Cafe in King George V Playing Fields had also suffered repeated vandalism, including damage caused by a fire on its artificial grass.
Cafe owner Craig Guthrie said the problems had left him feeling deflated, despite having offered the area as a safe space for young people to use.
He said, “Since we’ve opened I’ve always made it clear to the kids of the town that they can use our area as a safe space as long as they look after it, which they have.
“Sadly this summer we’ve had nothing but trouble, broken tables and chairs, our hanging baskets thrown over the patio.”
A fire was also started recently on the cafe’s artificial grass, leaving the surface damaged beyond repair.
He said the damage was taking its toll financially and on morale.
“It’s going to cost a lot of money to fix it. It’s just sad. It looks bad. They need to take accountability. People have been kind enough to offer grass, which is nice.”
Wiltshire Police has confirmed the damage to the cafe had been reported to police and enquiries were ongoing to identify those involved.
Two 48-hour dispersal orders have been introduced recently following increased reports of antisocial behaviour and youth-related violence. The first covered the town centre and King George V Park from 8th October, and the second covered the town centre and Queensway from 24th October.
The Section 35 orders gave police the power to exclude anyone suspected of antisocial behaviour or disorder from the designated areas for a set period.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Charly Chilton said, “Work is ongoing with partnership agencies to provide a multiagency response to the reports. High visibility patrols have been taking place and these will continue. Where offences are identified, necessary enforcement action will be taken.”
Pictured: Craig, owner of Evie’s Cafe, which has suffered repeated vandalism
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