NORTH-EAST soldiers are being blamed for a rise in violent crime in a town close to the border between England and Wales.

Chepstow, near Bristol, has earned a reputation for violence - and Inspector Jim Walker, of Chepstow police, is in no doubt that soldiers from the Green Howards, who are stationed at Beachley Barracks, are responsible for most of the problems.

The majority of soldiers in the regiment are originally from the North-East, especially Middlesbrough.

Speaking at a Chepstow Town Council meeting last week, Insp Walker said: "I don't know how they behave in their home towns but they don't have any respect for this town."

His comments came as military police from Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, were put on standby in Darlington in anticipation of potential trouble arising from extended drinking hours.

Meanwhile, in Chepstow, Insp Walker said police were being called to a growing number of street fights and pub brawls in Chepstow.

Extra officers are on patrol at weekends as the town, which tops Monmouthshire's violence league, adjusts to new licensing laws.

According to police statistics there were 312 violent incidents in Chepstow between April and November.

Insp Walker said overall crime levels were in decline, but there was a rising trend for violent incidents in the town.

He said a growing number of offences were being committed by soldiers in particular.

"A big problem is Army personnel drinking too much and getting involved in violence," said Insp Walker.

"We would expect a disciplined service to be disciplined, but we seem to have gone away from that.

"Many of the soldiers (at Beachley) are from Middlesbrough and the North-East."

Middlesbrough Council's cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Barry Coppinger, last night called on the Monmouthshire force to provide evidence to support the claims.

Coun Coppinger, who is also a member of Cleveland Police Authority, said: "Without seeing evidence or more details to support these claims I would not like to really comment at the moment.

"But I would certainly be interested in hearing what the Monmouthshire Police have to say about the incidents."

To address the reported problems, Insp Walker said police in Chepstow had been working with the Army camp, which has been providing transport to collect service personnel.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are disappointed to hear about what has been said. We weren't aware that there was a perceived major problem.

"We are in regular dialogue with the police and council, and are aware of a few incidents that have taken place recently."

He said the situation was being taken seriously and the Army was only aware of incidents where charges had been made, or when it had been informed by police.

"The Army does not tolerate violence or bad behaviour in any shape or form - across the board, not just with the Green Howards," said the spokesman.

"Soldiers who misbehave are subject to military law as well as civilian.

"The commanding officer enforces military law and can discipline soldiers as and when he sees fit.

"We thought we were doing well, the police have said how well we work with them and a lot of dialogue goes on towards sorting things out."

Beachley's commanding officer said: "We have already set up Army patrols in the town centre and put on transport to take soldiers home.

"My door is always open for people to talk to me if there is a problem so we can work together to sort things out."