The people of Weston-super-Mare had their say on whether the town centre has a problem with under-age drinking, after it emerged police had set out plans to curb antisocial behaviour.

Officers in Weston are trying to tackle an increase in offences, such as under-age drinking by children as young as 13.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said its officers identified a small group of children and teenagers aged between 11 and 17 who have been ‘causing a nuisance’ in the area after school and in the evenings.

Replying to a Mercury article, many people agreed the town needed to reduce the amount of antisocial behaviour.

Other people said under-age drinking was not a serious problem.

Asked the question: ‘Does Weston have a problem with under-age drinking?’, Clare Louise replied: “Yes, but then it’s been going on for years.”

Tracy Wilcox said: “Think humanity itself has issues with alcohol and it is a global phenomenon.

“Alcohol in its short term effect creates euphoria. Once habituation to this stage occurs research tells us it acts as neuro-chemical depressant.

“It is highly addictive and chronic use leads to high incidences of antisocial behaviour in those predisposed to addictions. It is a humanitarian problem of mental health management not exclusive to Weston.”

Shaun Underhay added: “What about all the trouble caused by drinkers who are over the age of 18 – (there is) no mention of them?”

‘DA’ said on the Mercury website: “Antisocial behaviour is a bad thing. Rather than just moving the youths on why don’t they look at giving them somewhere to go in town so they are not out on the streets all the time?”

Others praised Weston, arguing that crime levels were relatively low and the town was fairly safe.

Peter Lowery said: “Where doesn’t (have problems with under-age drinking)? Let’s start building Weston’s image, I’ve lived all over the world and promise you, (the) grass always looks greener!

Acting Neighbourhood Sergeant Marc Stephens told the Mercury: “If we find a young person in a group which is believed to have been involved in nuisance behaviour we’ll be taking them home or calling their parents or carers to fetch them.

“Under-age drinking puts children at risk of accident, injury, health problems and leaves them vulnerable to crime as well as more likely to act in a way they’ll regret later.”