A FORMER mayor who holidays in Weymouth says he would sort out the town's drunken vagrants if he was first citizen.

Ken Gant says Weymouth's reputation as a family resort is in danger of being ruined by groups who congregate on Westham Bridge intimidating passers-by.

Mr Gant, of Tamworth in Staffordshire, has been visiting Weymouth for the past 30 years with his family but says he only encountered problems with vagrants this year.

He and wife Maureen both serve as Conservative councillors on Tamworth Borough Council and were mayor and mayoress of the authority for 2004-05.

Father-of-two Mr Gant, 72, said: "Weymouth really has to do something about the drunken rowdies - the ones who confronted us on Westham Bridge were plastered out of their minds.

"They shouted and swore and we felt intimidated.

"It's not the sort of behaviour we have come to expect in Weymouth.

"It won't stop us visiting because we love the town but I'm sure there are visitors who are put off."

Mr Gant, who has 20 years' experience as a borough and county councillor, added: "We have a zero tolerance policy against drunks in Tamworth.

"There's still a few rowdies but they're not on display as much as they are in Weymouth.

"The town has to get to grips with the situation before it's too late.

"That would be my priority."

Outgoing Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Lynne Herbert said she welcomed views from visitors.

But she added: "I don't think the problem of people drinking in the street is as big as it was a few years ago because the police have been given new powers.

"We are obviously aware of the issue but we must remember there is so much going on that is good for the town."

Acting Inspector Geoff Hicks of East Weymouth police said the situation had improved for many people since officers were given new powers to disperse rowdy groups under section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

He said: "The order did not extend to cover Westham Bridge because of discussions with the organisers of the soup kitchen who wanted a place to distribute the soup.

"If we continue to receive complaints about nuisance drunks in this area we will consider extending the order.

"We take complaints seriously and are monitoring the situation. Evidence can be gathered via the CCTV system."