IT might be a pretty little area known to tourists as the birthplace of Nell Gwynn but for local residents, there is a much darker side to living in the shadows of Hereford Cathedral.

Those living in Gwynne Street claim their home is plagued by vandals intent on damaging property, littering and dog fouling.

A group of neighbours, who add that hoards of youngsters can often be heard shouting and swearing, are now calling for cameras to be installed and for regular police patrols in the street.

Lea Larsen, who has lived in Gwynne Street for four years, said: “Obviously I’m realistic and I don’t believe it’s going to stop things completely but certainly it would go towards deterring offenders.

"Gwynne Street is a thorough fare between town and the Old Bridge and, because there are no cameras or police presence in the street or immediate area, it is being abused by criminals and trouble makers."

And Lea, who was speaking on behalf of his neighbours, said the behaviour is “just as bad” during the week as the weekend.

The latest incident - one of several recorded each week - saw a group of youngsters kick a traffic cone over a neighbours' wall, smashing a very large terracotta plant pot.

That came not long after one woman was punched when she asked a group to stop throwing bottles in the street.

A petition has been set up and Lea said residents are considering setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme.

Sarah Buxton, a spokesman for West Mercia Police, said police are aware of concerns from residents about a range of issues in Gwynne Street.

"However, we have received fewer than ten reports of either ASB or crime from the location in the last eight months," she said.

"Members of the city's Safer Neighbourhood Team will be carrying out face to face surveys with the residents over the coming days.

"CCTV monitor the area and report issues as and when they occur. It is important to note that the level of street drinking in the area has greatly reduced and since the redevelopment of the Cathedral grounds, the opportunity to do this in the vicinity has largely been removed.

"However, we would encourage residents in the area to report issues when they occur so that we can take appropriate action where necessary."