PEOPLE who continue to cause problems in a car park in South East Cornwall could find their cars being seized and crushed.

The warning was issued by Callington councillor Andrew Long as he and fellow town councillors prepare to give the go-ahead for fresh measures to combat anti-social behaviour in the Saltash Road car park in the town.

People living near the car park have been calling for action over the problems caused by late-night gatherings of youths in their cars, noise and intimidation, and at one stage the town council considered closing the facility at night. But it was feared closing the car park overnight would also cause a new problem for residents and would simply result in anti-social behaviour moving elsewhere in the town.

The council has since employed a private security contractor to patrol the car park and in a public statement before Christmas, councillors assured residents that they are continuing to work to combat anti-social behaviour in and around the car park.

The council stated: 'Along with other agencies such as the Devon and Cornwall Police, Environmental Health and the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team, we are working together to find a permanent solution.

'We are continuing the patrols from our security contractors and we will be taking advantage of other facilities that the police and ASB departments have to bring the culprits to justice.'

Mr Long, who represents Callington on Cornwall Council as well being a town councillor, told the Cornish Times this week that the town council would make use of the facilities to identify those responsible and to produce evidence of the problems they cause.

'Once we have done that, which will be in the very near future, we will make sure they face the full force of the law,' he said.

'If necessary we have the power, along with the police, to seize offenders' vehicles and crush them.

'We want to send out a clear message that the town will not tolerate this sort of behaviour – it is a very small minority who are responsible.'

The council is encouraging residents to assist it by reporting problems of noise or other anti-social behaviour. Those affected should contact 0300 1234 232 or fill in an online report by visiting http://www.cornwall.gov.uk">www.cornwall.gov.uk and clicking on 'Anti-Social Behaviour'.