Didcot Town Council wants to set up its own police force -- similar to municipal forces in France.

If Home Secretary David Blunkett were to adopt the radical proposal, council leader Mike McNulty said the force could tackle anti-social behaviour, public order and vandalism.

The council's proposals have been sent to Mr Blunkett, after the council held two meetings with police and youth and community representatives to see how best to curb teenage hooligans in the town centre.

Didcot will be the first area in south Oxfordshire to launch a neighbourhood warden scheme. Wardens will be employed to patrol council property, but will have no more powers than private security staff.

Town councillors would prefer a system similar to that in France.

Mr McNulty said that through the town's twinning link with Meylan, a suburb of Grenoble, the council had been able to look at the benefits of a municipal force, working alongside gendarmes and having the power of arrest.

Mr McNulty said the council's proposal differed from a warden scheme because the municipal forces would be run by local authorities, while being funded by central Government.

He said: "We believe local councils are often closer to their communities and local problems than a police authority covering several counties."

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police declined to comment, but a Home Office spokesman said ministers would consider the suggestion.

Five teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in the town centre.

The three boys and two girls have been released on bail until December 30.

Insp Chris Parker, of Didcot police, said: "We don't have as many police officers in Didcot as we'd like, due to budget restrictions.

"However, we are keen to take action against those responsible for problems at the Civic Hall. We will target the ringleaders and treat any calls to the Civic Hall as a priority."

Police believe it is also essential to look into wider issues including the supply of alcohol to teenagers, and providing recreation facilities.

They plan to work closely with community organisations such as the youth service and schools, as well as licensees.