LITTER, vandalism and speeding are the three top bugbears blighting their lives, say the residents of a North Dorset town.

A panel of community representatives in Shaftesbury will now try and spearhead action to tackle these problems, after the three issues were voted as those most needing solving at the inaugural meeting of the town's Partners and Communities Together (PACT).

Some areas of the town, particularly Coppice Street and Enmore Green turn into "war zones" at the weekend, the meeting heard.

Residents also say that Coppice Street and Tout Hill have major problems with speeding motorists, although the town council is currently trying to deal with this and is drawing up a case to county for a 20mph blanket limit for the town centre.

PACT member and deputy mayor, Cllr Winifred Harvey, said: "In terms of the vandalism we are looking at using a mobile CCTV camera as a deterrent. I understand that the local police have one that we could use.

"With the litter we aren't yet 100 per cent sure what we are going to do because although town councils have new powers to deal with littering, it's a matter of resources and money.

"As part of the town enhancement scheme additional litter bins are included and this may help solve the problem."

The aim of PACT is to empower local people to both influence and get involved in solving community safety priorities where they live.

The top priorities needing action, as voted by residents, are speeding in Coppice Street, Enmore Green and Salisbury Street, litter in Coppice Street and close to Upper School, and vandalism to vehicles in Coppice Street and Enmore Green.

The meeting, held at the Town Hall, consists of a panel with members of the community as well as the police, representatives from the town, district and county councils, local organisations, emergency services and traders.

The next PACT meeting is scheduled for January 10.