Youngsters in the town need more to do to stop them “ruining their lives”.

Mum-of-four Lucy Hammond, 36, claims people are brushing under the carpet the issue of under age drinking in the town and the need for a youth centre to keep them off the streets.

“Thankfully my eldest has a good head on her shoulders, but there are youngsters who go out and drink a bottle of vodka at 14,” the care co-ordinator said.

“It’s not right and they don’t realise that they could be ruining their lives.

“If they get in trouble for something they may see as minor now, in the future having a criminal record or a slap on the wrist is going to stop them doing things.”