HEAVY-DRINKING soldiers from the North East of England are to blame for giving Chepstow the unenviable tag of 'most violent town in Mon-mouthshire'.

That is the view of Inspector Jim Walker of Chepstow police, who said: "I don't know how they behave in their home towns, but they don't have any respect for this town."

Speaking at Chepstow town council's meeting this week, Insp Walker was in no doubt that the presence of soldiers from the Green Howards stationed at Beachley Barracks was responsible for the majority of the problems.

Police are being called to a growing number of street fights and pub brawls - and now additional police have been placed on the streets in the town at weekends as the town which heads Monmouthshire's violence league adjusts to new licensing laws.

The 312 violent incidents in Chepstow from April to November this year are more than in the three other main towns - Abergavenny had 276, Caldicot 191 and Monmouth 172.

Inspector Walker said the overall crime levels are in decline, but the trend for violent incidents in Chepstow is upwards rather than going down. He added that there have been a growing number of offences being committed by soldiers in particular.

"A big problem is army personnel drinking too much and getting involved in violence," said Inspector 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 the North East of England." Insp Walker said police have been working in close liaison with the army camp who have been providing transport to collect army personnel. A spokesman for the MOD 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."

The military spokesman said the situation is being taken seriously and the army is only aware of incidents where charges have been made, or when they have 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," continued the spokesman. "Soldiers that 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 confirmed: "We have already set up army patrols in the town centre and put on transport to take soldiers home." Inspector Walker added a warning: "Anyone - not just soldiers - charged with any alcohol-related offence will have bail conditions as a matter of course preventing them from entering Chepstow town centre."

Middlesbrough Council cabinet member Barry Coppinger said: "Without seeing more details, I cannot comment. However, I would be interested in hearing what Monmouthshire Police have to say about the incidents."