A CONTROVERSIAL device which emits a high-pitched sound to disperse groups of teenagers is being used by Chesham shopkeepers.

Campaigners this week called for the Mosquito device to be banned saying it is unfair on teenagers.

One youngster who spoke to the Free Press said that when the device in Greenway Parade, Chesham, had been used it had left him bedridden for three days.

The Mosquitos let out a high pitched noise only heard by under 25-year-olds. People's ability to hear high frequencies declines as they get older.

Two youngsters, who did not want to be named, who regularly hang around in Greenway Parade, said the devices made them sick when they were used.

One said: "I have heard it a couple of times. It was just a high-pitched noise that would make you feel sick.

"It switches off after 15 to 20 minutes so we just go and stand around the corner until it stops."

His friend added: "I was in bed for three days when it first went off because it made me feel sick.

"They do not stop us from hanging around here. It just makes you want to cause more trouble if anything."

The devices were installed at the request of residents, shopkeepers and the landlord of Greenway Parade. The manageress of a supermarket, who did not wish to be named, said: "As far as I know these devices do work and keep the kids away."

A new campaign called Buzz Off, led by the children's commissioner for England and backed by groups including civil liberties group Liberty is calling for it to be banned.

But another worker in one of the shops says it hasn't worked in months and problems with anti-social behaviour continue.

She said: "Kids are always hanging around here. People won't come in now because they are frightened of them. It happens every night I work here."

She thought the machine didn't deter the youths even when it did work. That view was echoed by residents who say there are still problems with youngsters in the area and although there has been a slight improvement recently, they put it down to factors such as an increase in police presence and the cold weather.

Both South Bucks District Council and Wycombe District Council have not installed any devices and do not have any plans to do so.

Chiltern District Council says since the device was installed there has been no complaints of antisocial behaviour.

Jean Teesdale, cabinet member for younger and older people at WDC, said: "It is not a method I would want to be used personally. We do not know if it can cause long term damage. There are far more sensible ways of sorting out a problem."