FRUSTRATED residents in Malmesbury are calling for action after a spate of littering at the abbey grounds.

It is thought youngsters are gathering behind the abbey at night and are leaving cigarettes butts, smashed bottles and other litter on the ground.

This is despite the fact that bins are only metres away from the benched area they gather at.

Such a popular area for families with children and pets, there are concerns that it could become dangerous and put visitors off visiting the grounds.

Voluntary litter collectors clear the abbey alongside other parts of the town, but occasionally some residents help out.

Malmesbury resident Mary Hill, 92, said she was concerned that the littering was giving the town a bad name. She tries to get out as much as she can to regularly clean up litter behind the abbey.

“The littering puts Malmesbury to shame, we just want them to put the litter in the bin,” she said.

“Malmesbury is such a wonderful place and visitors walk around the abbey.

“I help at the museum in town.

“It was only on Monday that we had a visitor from Italy.”

Fellow resident Pea Wallace is another one of those who helps clean up.

She added: “We have these amazing guys that go around cleaning it in the morning litter picking.

“We are lucky to live here, the abbey is stunning and historical.

“I have no problem with people hanging around the abbey in the evenings but can they please clean up after themselves.”

Malmesbury town Cllr Gavin Grant said: “It is really sad that a small minority chose to leave litter in the heart of our town forcing others to clean up after them.

“While I am grateful to the dedicated, voluntary litter collectors, the real answer is for people to use the bins provided for their rubbish.

“Now is the time for the town council committee‎ I am on that looks after our town’s open spaces, to discuss what more we can do to deter ‘litter bugs’ and vandals.”