STAFF at a doctor's surgery have spoken out against a group of youths who they claim are intimidating elderly patients and vandalising property.

Employees at the Chipping Surgery in Wotton-under-Edge are growing increasingly worried about a gang loitering near the surgery entrance during opening hours and using its car park to congregate in at weekends.

A spokesman for the surgery said: "Our elderly patients have recently been feeling a little bit intimidated. They are coming to the front of the surgery and there have been youngsters just standing around the entrance under the shelter.

"Our cleaning staff who work after hours are also becoming increasingly fearful of leaving the building."

The surgery's staff also claim that every Monday they have to pick up empty vodka and beer bottles, broken glass and empty takeaway packaging which have been left in the car park during the weekends.

"It has been going on for a number of months but it is getting worse.

"It would appear it's party time in our car park at weekends because it is hidden from the road, it's ideal," said a member of staff, who did not wish to be named.

During the last six months the Chipping Surgery has also had to deal with graffiti and criminal damage.

"We try to make sure it doesn't affect the surgery or our patients by clearing it all up as soon as possible.

"If we leave it the car park would look like a large waste area," the staff member said.

Sgt Tim Wood, of Dursley Police Station, said: "We are not aware of any ongoing problems in relation to anti-social behaviour at the doctor's surgery.

"We are always keen to tackle anti-social behaviour, and will certainly consider taking appropriate action should a pattern of such problems become apparent to us."

Anyone with any concerns should report them to Dursley or Wotton Police Station or call 0845 090 1234.