Traders in a quiet country town say their community is turning into the 'Soho of Somerset'.

Chard-based shopkeepers claim prostitutes openly ply their trade on the town's high street, while street alcoholism and drugs abuse are on the increase.

They say the town, which has a population of 12,800, suffers from increasing social problems with rowdy behaviour, mugging and petty crime common place.

Audrey Spencer of the tourist information centre said the town had suffered from a recent influx of drunks, prostitutes and travellers.

Anyone who has been to Soho will know that the place is vastly different to Chard.

John Malcolm, Chard mayor

President of the Chard Chamber of Commerce, Dr David Barnes, raised his concerns at a meeting of the town's business community.

"It's an ongoing battle here with drunks, rowdiness and begging on the streets," he said.

"There has been very little police response. One woman had her car stolen and the police didn't show up for a week.

"The police do try to do what they can but they are hopelessly under-resourced."

Chard's mayor, John Malcolm, denied the town had a problem with escalating crime.

"It's just not true in my opinion," he said.

'Drugs dealers'

"There may be isolated cases of these things but anyone who has been to Soho will know that the place is vastly different to Chard.

"Until last night I had not heard any mention of the word 'prostitution' in Chard.

"I heard it after a councillor reported that he had been accosted on his way to a meeting.

"As far as drugs is concerned, every town has a drugs problem but there is a great crackdown being made on drugs dealers."