SPECIAL powers given to police to curb antisocial behaviour in Neyland have been criticised at a town council meeting.

On Monday (April 13) the ongoing issues of ‘boy racers’ at Brunel Quay was raised by town councillors.

Following news last month that the county council was investigating quotes for lockable bollards and speed bumps for the area, the town clerk told members that the cost for two speed bumps and signage had been estimated at more than £8,000.

The clerk said that, in light of this high figure, the council would now be investigating the cost of more CCTV for the area, and the cost of bollards.

Members also heard from a woman who lives near Brunel Quay, who said she had been plagued by antisocial behaviour for years.

As well as the revving of engines, and ‘coming down the hill at 60 miles and hour’, she told members that a number of locals also had ‘obscene stories’ of 'what young boys girls were up to' in the car park at night.

She said Section 30 dispersal order powers - granted to police in October 2014 to ‘move on’ troublemakers - were not working.

“We see the same people there day after day,” she said. “Having the power means nothing if it’s not enforced.”

She said she was ‘dreading the nice weather coming up' as it would encourage more people to gather in the car park in the evenings.

“You can’t sit outside or enjoy your garden because you know what’s going to happen,"she said.

Cllr Paul Smith agreed that the problem had been going on for years, and that something needed to be done.

Cllr Judith Wilson said: “No matter how many times it’s reported to the police it’s still ongoing.”

Cllr Jenny Rayner added that the police were “failing in their duty to the public”.

The mayor, Cllr Simon Hancock, said he would be writing to the police, as it was vital the issue was ‘tidied up’ immediately.