RESIDENTS are calling for more action to tackle a spate of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Dorchester.

Concerned homeowners met with police to discuss the problems in Poets Way which, they claim, include loud music, drinking on the street, dangerous driving, spitting and shouting abuse.

Landlord Caroline Watton, 47, who owns a property in the street, said she has made numerous calls to Dorset Police and Yarlington Housing Group, which owns a number of properties on the development, to try to resolve the issues but is now demanding action.

She added that on one particular evening she warned police officers she feared that a car would be vandalised and says she is not happy with how Dorset Police have dealt with the issue.

Mrs Watton and others living in the street described those responsible as ‘animals’ and ‘monsters’.

She said: “There are people in a number of properties who have their music blaring and on one occasion they hung out of the windows bare-chested with bottles, drinking, shouting and hurling abuse at me.

“Another time there were mopeds speeding up and down the road dangerously.

“They have thrown their fists at me before.

“They are absolutely terrifying – they are monsters.

“Everybody is afraid to speak out, but I want to stand up and be counted.”

She added: “One resident phoned me and told me they heard people talking about ‘doing cars’ and I told two police officers who were in Poets Way at the time.

“Until we get an eviction or an injunction order we need to get extra patrols or CCTV.”

The owner of the vandalised car, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Ever since my wife and I moved here we have been subject to anti-social behaviour.

“There has been shouting, swearing, loud music, drinking in the street and now this.

“We are all frightened.

“The people responsible are animals and they have no respect.”

Amanda Matthews, PR and marketing manager at Yarlington Housing Group, said: “We are working with the police and other agencies to get this resolved.

“It is our prime focus at the moment and we are dealing with it as quickly and efficiently as we can and we are working tirelessly at it.”

She added: “We really do rely on residents working with us to get these things resolved.

“Residents need to keep a log of their concerns as evidence so that we can start eviction proceedings when they are necessary.”

West Dorset District Council community protection manager Graham Duggan said: “We are working in partnership with Dorset Police and Yarlington Housing Group to deal with a case of alleged anti-social behaviour in Dorchester.”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: “We are sorry to hear of this recent incident and are cooperating fully with the police and housing association.”

• Inspector Les Fry, of Dorchester police, said: “Dorset Police is aware of an antisocial behaviour problem in Poets Way.

“Two males were arrested in the street in relation to the criminal damage to a Ford Fiesta that has had a substance poured over it.”

He added: “Our sympathy and feelings go to all those who have been subject to the antisocial behaviour at this time and we hope for a speedy solution to the issues.

“We are working with our partner agencies including Yarlington Housing Group, West Dorset District Council and the developers Taylor Wimpey to develop a long term solution to this situation as soon as possible.

“We are looking at all options at the moment including CCTV and night patrols.

“We would like to reassure the residents that we are doing all that we can to resolve the issues.”