Worried residents in Kings Worthy are living in fear of a gang of youths who they claim are intimidating the village.

A number have complained to the parish council, saying they feel frightened by the large groups of teenagers lurking around the village shops.

They say they have found evidence of drug abuse where the youngsters hang out, while others have seen youngsters urinating in their driveways.

Police patrols are to be stepped up in the village and closed-circuit television may be used to discover the extent of the problem.

Parish and city councillor, Graham Hutton, said: "This behaviour has been going on for two or three years now and we are now working with the police to put a stop to it. We are taking it seriously and residents are behind us 100 percent

"One of the residents had concerns over drug taking and has produced a litter bin of wrappings he found in the village which he believes were used for drugs. Two or three elderly people have also come forward because they are very fearful to get to the shop."

Residents met with councillors and police officers at a special meeting last week to discuss the problems.

Mr Hutton said: "We want residents to know we are working with the police to tackle the issue. We will even be using CCTV cameras to try to discover the true extent of the problem"

Sgt Wayne Curzon, of Alresford police station, said: "We have written to the parents of these children and they have been very supportive.

"We know there was one resident who found evidence of drug-taking, but whenever we have spoken to the juveniles, they certainly don't appear to have taken drugs. It is likely to be the minority who are doing it.

"We are treating the concerns very seriously and we are confident that this is a problem we can combat as we are currently working on a local community plan, which will see more police officers patrolling the streets.

Parish councillors believe that some of the problems have arisen because of a lack ofrecreational facilities in the area.

An affordable homes scheme is being built in Kings Worthy and it is thought that part of that land will be used by the parish council to build recreation areas for youngsters in the village. Ideas so far include a BMX track.

Mr Hutton added that the council hoped to employ a detached youth worker for the village.

Residents, police and councillors are expected to meet again in January.