GANGS of teenagers are terrorising a Weymouth shopping precinct.

Groups of children, aged 12-16 years, are hanging around shops in Southill abusing owners and frightening customers, according to one shop manager who says his staff have to cope with the ordeal daily.

Gary Dipple, co-owner of Tidings newsagents, says the gangs of up to nine noisy teenagers loiter outside his shop intimidating customers, or chase around the area on bikes or skateboards.

"The kids ride along the front really quickly.

"Eventually someone's going to break a window or knock someone over as they come out of the shop.

"Some days when I arrive in the morning I find takeaway food all over the shop windows, so we have to clean that off.

"It's a shame because all we are trying to do is make it so people want to come here instead of having to go into town to do their shopping," he said.

Bob Morris, co-owner of Independent Financial Solutions Limited on the precinct, says although his premises has not suffered directly, the groups of youths are affecting the general atmosphere of the area.

"If you go out and ask them to pack it in they go and get more of their mates and make even more noise," he said.

Things came to a head recently when a litter bin was set on fire, and the council had to demolish a wall after children were seen jumping up and down on it and making it wobble.

"I wouldn't like to see any of the kids get injured," said Gary, who is keen to stress that it's only a small minority that is causing the trouble.

"Most of the kids are not a problem, it's just one or two, most of them are nice when they are on their own" he said.

"I blame it on the council for not giving the kids enough to do in their spare time. They are bored, there's no doubt about that.

"It's been happening more and more over the last week as the school holidays come to an end. Just seeing the police is enough to stop the kids causing trouble, that's all we need.

"If they don't do something about it soon, it could easily get out of hand," he added.

Bob Morris agrees: "It would be nice to see a policeman come down here and tell them to push off.

"It's a low level nuisance at the moment and it would be nice if they could sort it out now before it gets to something more serious in future," he said.

Inspector Tony Rudd of West Weymouth Police said: "Anti-social behaviour is a priority of mine because I am aware of the distress that it can cause.

"I would ask the people of Southill to contact me and I will look into what the police can do to help with this problem, as well as what we can do with other agencies to provide for the young people of the area," he said.

"As we all know, the vast majority of young people do not cause problems and tackling this kind of problem is all about a balanced approach." Inspector Rudd can be contacted on 01305 226620.