Police could seize vehicles in a bid to get to the bottom of anti-social driving which is blighting a village car park.

Over recent months several Melbourn residents have reported anti-social behaviour at the car park in the village High Street.

The car park has long been a hot-spot for anti-social behaviour, and now Cambridgeshire Police, working alongside local councillors, have indicated that they will deploy Section 59 powers to seize vehicles that are driven in anti-social manner.

Melbourn district councillor Jose Hales, who is also a member of the village’s parish council, said: “We’d like to thank residents who have contributed to problem-solving efforts, by taking the time to report incidents to 101 – the non-emergency police number which creates a log of events.

“We do understand that people may be disinclined to go through this step, because it is a bit of a hassle. But the importance of an evidence log for the deployment of police resource cannot be over-emphasized – without ample evidence police action cannot be taken, or justified.”

Cllr Hales and his fellow district councillor Val Barrett, joined Melbourn ward county councillor Susan van de Ven and PC Alex Rendell to inspect the car park earlier this week. All three councillors are members of Melbourn Practical Solutions, a group which meets to look at problems facing the villages and ways which they can be overcome.

Cllr van de Ven said, “We have asked the Police about confidentiality, as it is natural for people to be concerned if they feel vulnerable. The clear message from the Police is that confidentiality is carefully protected. Anonymous calls are difficult because the Police may need to be able to make follow-up queries. The most effective reporting is that which is done while an incident is occurring.

“We’d be very happy to answer any questions that people may have – please feel free to contact us.”