RESIDENTS in an Oxfordshire town that has a history of antisocial behaviour are calling for tougher punishments for young offenders.

People in Bicester say police handing out orders to troublemakers causing problems in the town is not enough to prevent them from continuing to cause problems.

It comes after years of antisocial behaviour problems in Bicester town centre, with the latest incident happening on New Year's Eve when police were called after reports of yobs causing trouble.

Officers dealt with nine youngsters by taking them home and speaking to their parents before handing out Section 34 orders to each one of them.

The order banned them from going back to the town centre for 48 hours, but residents say there should be more severe consequences for troublesome behaviour.

Kevin Clayton, from Bicester, commented on Facebook: “Every parent of any child issued with an order should be fined as well. They are responsible for their kids."

Andrew Phillip, from Bicester, also commented: "I think most teens have done the odd silly thing but this is different, it's persistent antisocial and aggressive behaviour. So yeah, warn them then have consequences immediately and later in life."

Resident Colin Davies suggests naming the youths.

He said: "There does appear to be no consequences for actions these days so a more visible means of naming and shaming might carry some weight."

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But others say the two-day ban is an acceptable punishment.

Claire Reed commented: “48 hours is a start. At least they have begun to be challenged and so far have followed it. Yes these kids are behaving in a disgraceful way but we still live in a nice town.”

Cherwell District Council is aware of the problem and police are working with the families of young people responsible for trouble in the town.

Councillor Andrew McHugh, Executive Member on Cherwell District Council for Communities, said: “Bicester Councillors raised their concerns about anti social behaviour in Bicester with me. I have spoken to Thames Valley Police about their concerns.

"The perpetrators of the anti-social behaviour are known to the police who will now be working closely with the families alongside other agencies to stop the offending behaviour.”

In January 2018, staff at Bicester Library, in Pioneer Square, were so intimidated by threatening behaviour and drug use in the area that police were drafted in to help.

In November 2018, pranksters hurled toilet paper over town centre buildings.