ROWDY drunks causing havoc have sparked pleas for CCTV in a popular area of Weymouth.

The call comes after a gang of 'intimidating' drinkers targeted Hope Square, near the old harbour, which is not covered by the crimebusting cameras.

Residents claim that a group of up to 12 people, aged between 30 and 50, were making everybody's life a misery.

Councillor Nigel Reed, who represents the Weymouth East ward, has backed appeals for more help to keep trouble out of the area.

He said: "This is part of the town centre, and the rest of the town centre is covered by CCTV.

"This is an area that should have it, but as with anything, it is about funding"

The historic harbour and square is a major tourism spot in Weymouth but also home to residents and businesses.

Police recently vowed to use an anti-social behaviour bylaw, which allows them to disperse groups of two or more, to crack down on troublemakers.

Coun Reed claimed that the force's new powers could be used, along with CCTV cameras, to halt the problems in Hope Square. CCTV and the bylaw has helped police clamp down on drunken behaviour in the town centre and seafront.

Coun Reed said: "The nature of the area has changed. We need to get the support of residents to push the anti-social bylaw forward. The cafe culture is a good idea, but it does have its elements after closing time when it goes on into the early morning."

Ward councillor John Birtwistle, speaking from his holiday in Ireland, supported the calls for CCTV and added: "In general that side of the harbour has been free of trouble and it's a shame if the problems have spread."

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous because he feared repercussions, said he was disturbed most nights by drunken shouting and swearing between 2am and 5am. He said: "They behave extremely obnoxiously. They are putting off tourists during the day too, by throwing bottles around and intimidating them. The police can't do a lot. They have a word with them and that's it."

Inspector Paul Gillott, of Weymouth East police, said his staff were monitoring the situation but Hope Square was not the most troublesome area in the town.

He said that a lot of the problems relate to one residential address. He added: "We are looking to address the problem via that landlord."

Extending the anti-social behaviour bylaw would not be an option, he said.

Insp Gillott added: "If we had that everywhere we would not be able to enforce it. Hope Square is one area we are considering increasing CCTV coverage to, as and when funding becomes available."