BURNHAM MP David Heathcoat-Amory has vowed to support dozens of residents who are calling for more police patrols to help combat late-night violence.

The fears of people living in South Street came to a head when a man was allegedly assaulted in the early hours of Sunday, February 4.

Members of South Street Neighbourhood Watch group decided to organise the petition, saying they have had enough of being plagued by drunken behaviour and vandalism in their road.

Burnham's Sgt Ian Kennett confirmed to the Weekly News that it was an issue for people living there because it was a road used to cut through town.

"One of the issues that does happen is that if people are excluded from premises with a late license if they can't get to one they tend to another and the route is South Street," he said.

"As a result of that there have been some incidents. In partnership with the Neighbourhood Watch we are looking for a solution and we will be dealing with other partners too.

"At the moment we are collating information on the extent of the problem."

Cllr Arthur Thorogood, who will be meeting with the town's MP, said he had been made aware of householders' worries.

"I went down South Street yesterday morning and there was empty beer bottles on the ground, which people had obviously just dropped on their way through," he said.

"I appreciate residents' concerns and will support them if they are getting anti-social behaviour in the town."

Mr Heathcoat-Amory will visit the street this weekend when he will be presented with the petition, which has also been sent to Sedgemoor District Council and Burnham and Highbridge Town Council.

He said: "I will meet with the residents and councillor Arthur Thorogood, and examine the problem on the ground to see if anything can be done to help."

* A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning to grievous bodily harm, following an incident in South Street on February 5.

He has been released on police bail pending further enquires.

Police are also seeking another man in connection with the incident and investigations are on going.