RESIDENTS are living in fear of thugs terrorising their streets.

People living in Atterbury Close, who did not want to use their names for fear of reprisals, have spoken out about antisocial behaviour.

The Westerham estate has been highlighted as an area of concern by police, although residents say it has made no difference.

"They have obviously been making an effort. We see much more of a police presence down here then before," said one mum.

"But to be honest it hasn't made any difference.

"A lot of us have children of a similar age who used to play together outside our houses, but it is far too dangerous now.

"We are always having people drive up and down the road doing wheel spins at all hours of the day and night – you can see the marks on the road."

Residents cited violence, drugs and alcohol as the top problems in the area, and called on police to take more action against offenders.

"You always have problems on estates, and you can't always help where you live. We just try and shut our doors to it," said another woman.

"But it is very difficult to do.

"Police need to make an example of them because nothing else will work – the district council should also get involved and evict troublemakers from their homes.

"But nothing ever really seems to happen and they just carry on, even though everyone knows who is responsible."

PCSO Simon Humphreys said in a recent policing report: "Following a recent antisocial behaviour incident in Atterbury Close, a woman has been issued with a caution for using an offensive weapon in a public place, a boy has received a reprimand and another boy has received a final warning."