Police have stressed that they are doing all they can to combat increased youth anti-social behaviour in Brampton.

Members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) for Brampton - PSCOs Gemma Dawson, Amy Lambert and Tom Howarth - joined with representative from Brampton Community Centre to hold two meetings there.

Their aim was to explore ways to improve youth provision in the town in an effort to tackle the growing level of anti-social behaviour.

Nick Kennon, the community centre's development officer, said: "We have to see how we can work together as a community to combat these issues to ensure young people are not causing anti-social behaviour."

But members of the public at the first meeting, attended by about 30 people, voiced wanted to voice their concerns.

One frustrated resident said: "If you talk to anyone in Brampton they will give you the names of the people who have done this but what I can't understand is why nothing is bring done about it."

David Moorat, chairman of Brampton parish council, said: "We are very sensitive about the very difficult role police have in managing this issue; we are aware of all the limitations you have, but were are bring asked time and time again when is something going to be done about it.

"These are going to be the thugs of the future if we do nothing about it."

The PSCOs insisted Cumbria Police are doing all they can but said the help of the community in reporting crimes to the police was vital.

A statement from Carlisle sergeant Scott Adams, read out at the meeting by PCSO Amy Lambert in his absence, said: "At this moment we need the support of the public to deal with the main offenders through the judicial system. Without your assistance we can only deal with the small offences that are committed in front of the police.

"We have identified a small group of people we are going to target over the coming weeks. Our intention is to deal with these individuals robustly with the support of you."

Patrols have been increased, with the number of PSCO levels up from one to three - they spend eight to 10 hours a day, six days a week in Brampton - and Police Desks have been arranged.

They said they are working with partner agencies in terms of youth outreach work and educating youths about the impact of their actions in school visits. They are looking to bring those identified to justice, while supporting vulnerable residents and increasing security of vulnerable properties.

While he said he values what the PSCOs do, Cliff Lewis, a parish councillor and Brampton resident, doesn't think they are getting the support in Brampton they should have. He said: "I think it's probably the biggest worry for people in this room.

"Anything the community centre and youth forum can do is of course absolutely very important but I don't think that addresses the problem."

Nic Hewitt, the centre's new youth worker, has set up Brampton Youth Forum and is aiming to hold regular meetings for anyone who is involved with young people to co-ordinate support.

The aim, she said, is to ensure there is a youth offer seven days a week and to encourage young people to use the community centre. She highlighted a handful of schemes that are already running including the Hub Club at William Howard School and a new Youth Cafe at the centre on Wednesday evenings. Workshops around drugs, anti-social behaviour and mental health will also be arranged.

"It's a case of getting eveyone together to make a difference", she said, urging anyone who could offer their support to get involved.

Nick Kennon added: "We need to engage with them on their terms, we have got to come up with a plan."

Kathy Arthur, a teacher at William Howard School reminded those at the meeting that it is a minority of youth committing these crimes.

The NPT reminded residents and businesses of the ways they can report crimes, by calling 101 or in the instance of witnessing a crime, 999.

To get involved with the Youth Forum contact Nic by emailing nich@bramptoncommunitycentre.org.uk.

The next Police Desk takes place at the Co-operative on December 16 between 5pm and 7pm.