Increased CCTV coverage, a barrier and an alcohol-free zone may all be on the cards as the council aims to end the antisocial behaviour blighting the village's Town Hall car park.

Members heard at the latest parish council meeting that large groups of young people have been gathering there for months, with cars and motorbikes, drinking, littering and causing a disturbance into the early hours.

Affected villagers described the problem as 'horrendous'.

"It's ruining our lives," one said.

Community beat manager PC Mick Judge confirmed there had been 'dozens upon dozens upon dozens' of reports of antisocial behaviour in recent months, but by the time officers arrive on the scene all is quiet.

A key problem identified by PC Judge was that the car park is hidden from CCTV coverage by two trees, and suggested they should be removed.

Coun John Rylatt agreed. He said: "We have a piece of equipment manned by the borough 24 hours a day, but it can't see the car park."

"It will not take them long to realise they're being monitored," he added.

Council vice-chairman Alan Lee suggested the establishment of an alcohol-free zone for the car park.

PC Judge also forwarded the idea of a barrier across the entrance, though many members spoke out against this idea, including Coun Ian Turner who said: "For Town Hall users, who are part of the community, a barrier would be an unnecessary obstruction."

A group consisting of chairman of the council Coun David Smith, vice-chairman Coun Alan Lee, Coun Ann Booth, and Coun Marcus Hannay was set up to look into the options and report their findings at the next council meeting on August 21, at 7pm.