An Ottery mum-of-two has organised a community meeting and fundraising campaign to try and tackle antisocial behaviour in the town.

Sidmouth Herald: Katie Carpenter and Louise Weddell are launching a fundraiser. Ref sho 03 18TI 6408. Picture: Terry IfeKatie Carpenter and Louise Weddell are launching a fundraiser. Ref sho 03 18TI 6408. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Katie Carpenter said ‘something needed to be done’ and decided to take action after she and her children were verbally abused by a group of youths. She added that residents have complained on social media about incidents of cars being damaged, vandalism and bad behaviour at the Land of Canaan.

Katie and her friend Louise Weddell have organised a meeting next week and also launched a JustGiving page to net £25,000 towards a snooker hall - as they believe youngsters having more to do in the evenings will curtail the problems.

Ottery-born Katie said: “We never had this vandalism when I was growing up, but we always had the back of the pub where we could go to and play snooker.

“I know of a few places that have snooker halls and it’s the local hangout and there’s no trouble - it just occupies teenagers with somewhere warm to meet and enjoy their time.

“It’s due to lack of things to do that things are being vandalised out of boredom. I feel this would be a great course of action and there are plenty of other ideas from the community - any funding could improve our town.

“Everyone moans about it and something needs to be done, so let’s get together.”

Katie says she has had a lot of support on social media and also some reservations.

She added: “Ottery is a strong community town, if everyone chips in a little bit of money, it would take the young people away from the park.” Katie encouraged residents - especially teenagers - to come to the organised public meeting to have a say on what they want.

The meeting will take place at Ottery Football Club on Monday, January 22, at 6.30pm.