POLICE and local authorities have been slammed for failing to act over yobbish behaviour which they claim is blighting their lives.

On a nightly basis people living in Aldersbrook Avenue, Enfield, claim they have to put up with a tirade of anti-social behaviour which includes binge drinking, damage to parked cars, play equipment and gardens.

Youths gather at the Aldersbrook Rec play area, breaking in after it is closed in the evenings, and causing trouble.

Now residents are calling for CCTV cameras to be installed in an attempt to stop the behaviour.

Jackie Raven, a resident of the area, said that despite constant appeals to Enfield Council and local police, very little action had been taken to help residents.

She added: "The police nor the council seem able or willing to do anything about these problems although this has gone on for years.

"We need CCTV cameras installed, decent lighting, signage but they just ignore us.

"We constantly call the police and report these matters but they say there is no evidence, there is nothing they can do about it. We constantly call the council and get the same answer."

Mrs Raven has reported a catalogue of problems to the council and police - but little action has been taken. She said the behaviour has also resulted in damage to parked cars and in one instance a car was set alight and completely burnt-out. Other problems have included dangerous dogs and motor bikes in the play area and generally intimidating behaviour.

Last month several residents complained that the play equipment was also too dirty for children to play on when they went to use it in the daytime. One resident Katie Cookson said the area was a "disgrace" with glass over the ground.

Dennis Bell, interim head of parks, said some areas of the play area had been scheduled to be repaired within the next few weeks.

He added that a new padlock had been installed and said the play area was inspected daily.

A council spokesperson said: "We have received reports of anti-social behaviour and in response our parks police have stepped up patrols in the park. There will be a pair of officers working until midnight every day this week to keep an eye on the situation. All forms of anti-social behaviour in the park or elsewhere in Enfield is completely unnaceptable and will be dealt with."

The Enfield Independent has contacted the police for a comment but so far they have not responded.