POLICE have explained the steps taken amid claims three people camping in Blenheim Gardens in Minehead have been “noisy, drunk and abusive.”

Avon and Somerset Police faced criticism from neighbours amid a perceived lack of action, but have since told the West Somerset Free Press of its intention to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme for the area.

The police said in a statement: “We have been working closely with Somerset Council’s Rough Sleeper Team in relation to this and understand of the three adults involved, one has already moved on.

“Trespass is a civil matter and we will continue to work in partnership with the local authority, as the landowner, in relation to this issue and will identify any future improvements regarding security of the gardens.

“Officers regularly visit the gardens as part of their high-visibility patrol plans and have been speaking with residents who live nearby to understand any concerns they have. We are also making plans to set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme for the area.

“We’d encourage anyone who experiences antisocial behaviour in their community reports it to us online or on 101.”

Steve Martyn, a frustrated nearby resident, said in the last week, a number of individuals set up camp within the gardens, “creating a major disturbance with their foul language and drunken, abusive behaviour.”

But the police have pointed out that those who have been sleeping in the tents were in fact adults and not youths, but no ages have been given.

It is understood those staying in the tents broke into the gardens late on the night of July 1 and were still camped in the park on Thursday, July 11.

Mr Martyn, who has been in touch with the police, new Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour, and Minehead Town Council. He told Mrs Gilmour in an email he was one of a large group of individuals living in Minehead who shared a special interest in maintaining the quality of the town and its surrounding environment.

He said residents had long campaigned to keep Blenheim Gardens as a space free from noise and alcohol.