Recent disturbances in Benson reported

5.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 14th Jun 2008

Benson residents were shocked to wake up on Friday morning to the site of a burnt out car being towed away on the back of a removal lorry. Residents on Sunnyside have reported noise late into the night and Friday's wreckage is the evidence of the increased frequency and recklessness of so-called 'joyriders'.

Lib Dem Campaigner Stephen Kearney, has spoken to residents in the area who have voiced complaints about speeding with one car turned upside down in the middle of the road last week.

"Local people have told me on the doorstep that they worried by anti-social behaviour in the area," said Stephen Kearney.

Alcohol-driven problems are not uncommon in Benson on Friday and Saturday nights. The Parish Council have to employ a contractor to remove cans and bottles from the play-area each morning.

"We need to take young people off the streets and give them something productive to do. It is clear the Conservatives have vastly under-invested in youth services and neglected young people in Benson." said Stephen.

Stephen Kearney is calling for more police to patrol the local area. Key times of the day when anti-social behaviour is a problem needs a more visible presence.

Lib Dem Cllr Sue Cooper said:

"The Parish Council has taken a lead by taking part in the Probation Service Community Payback scheme."

The scheme has proved a huge success with the Parish purchasing paint and brushes and then supervising offenders to repaint local playarea equipment.

Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Kearney has pledged to make tackling anti-social behaviour his main priority.