TRADERS in Kidlington are calling on the police to tackle a group of teenagers who they claim are intimidating customers.

More than 30 shops in the High Street and surrounding area have displayed a petition for customers to sign.

Maurice Billington, Conservative county councillor for Kidlington and Yarnton, handed the petitions in to the village police station on Wednesday.

He said: “I have lived in Kidlington for over 50 years and I have never known trouble with young people to be so bad.

“They are using foul language, throwing apples and being abusive outside Tesco.

“It is intimidating for shoppers, and some elderly people are getting too frightened to go out after 7pm.

“We have got around 400 signatures and I am working closely with the police and Cherwell District Council to find a solution.”

Kim Martin, site manager of the Kidlington Centre, in the High Street, distributed the petition.

He said a group of about 15 youths, aged between 10 and 15, were repeatedly causing trouble.

Mr Martin added: “The petition calls on the police and other authorities to make Kidlington High Street and the surrounding area safer for the general public and traders.

“The petition also says the anti-social behaviour and intimidation that is prevalent in the area must stop before these incidents escalate. “There is a general problem with mischievous and anti-social behaviour and young people around here do need more facilities otherwise they just get bored.

“The trouble is there is not much money around at the moment. Everyone is struggling for funds including local football clubs.”

Michael Smith-Taylor, the owner of Michael’s hairdressers in the Kidlington Centre, said: “I have supported the petition, but I don’t want this to get blown out of proportion.”

Sgt Colin Travi, neighbourhood sergeant for Kidlington, said: “Thames Valley Police has worked closely with its partners at Cherwell District Council to tackle the concerns of the local shopkeepers in Kidlington.

“This has involved setting up a new scheme to engage with young people in the village and stepping up patrols in the areas where issues have been raised.

“Officers from the neighbourhood team will continue to monitor the situation closely and will robustly deal with any individuals that act in an anti-social manner. Kidlington is a nice place to live and work and we do not want this spoilt by the actions of a few people.”