A RESIDENTS group could be set up in a Chatteris neighbourhood with one objective - to protect Huntingdon Road. Peter Johnson is compiling a petition in a bid to stop the high levels of anti social behaviour centred around the road s recreation ground. I

A RESIDENTS' group could be set up in a Chatteris neighbourhood with one objective - to protect Huntingdon Road.

Peter Johnson is compiling a petition in a bid to stop the high levels of anti social behaviour centred around the road's recreation ground.

It calls for a dispersal order, to give police power to confiscate alcohol and arrest anyone returning to the area within 24 hours.

Mr Johnson, who lives in Huntingdon Road, has circulated letters and leaflets in the area, asking anyone with concerns to contact him. He received 14 calls in the 90 minutes after first delivering them.

Those who have signed the petition come from Huntingdon Road, Clare Street, York Road and Linden Drive.

Mr Johnson plans to pass the petition to Councillor Ray German, for him to take the matter up with Fenland District Council.

Mr Johnson said: "There have been problems since the skate park went in three years ago. It has escalated to ridiculous levels in the last six months or so.

"Youths normally start arriving at the Huntingdon Road entrance to the park at around 5pm and they sometimes stay as late at 3am the next day.

"Some arrive and leave by car, excessively spinning wheels in the process, and others ride around on very loud scooters."

He also accused the youngsters of damage to property walls, lighting bonfires in the park, throwing fireworks into people's gardens, throwing eggs at houses and urinating on or around properties.

Residents also believe drugs are being dealt there, as some cars stay for only short periods.

"They smash bottles all over the play area and some person smeared dog excrement all over the swings," said Mr Johnson, who added that residents have tried to talk to them but are only surrounded and threatened with being 'beaten up' every time.

"The police were here two weeks and told them to disperse. That worked for three days," he said. "But they are limited to what they can do, hence why we would like to get a dispersal order.