POLICE have upped night-time patrols in a neighbourhood blighted by anti-social motorists disturbing people's sleep on a housing estate.

PCSO Emma Carter said there have been a number of complaints about drivers "erratically racing up and down" the industrial estate behind Beauford Park, on Norton Fitzwarren.

She said: "It is causing noise, nuisance and concerns to local residents.

"There have also been reports of littering, shouting, swearing, horns beeping, clapping and the revving of engines.

"This is causing harassment, alarm and distress to nearby residents and the local neighbourhood making this a priority in our area."

She added that police are mounting night-time and weekend patrols in an effort to identify the people responsible for the anti-social behaviour and is in contact with the parish council about preventative measures.

PCSO Carter said there are also concerns in the village of vehicles parked on kerbs, obstructing pavements and the road on housing estates.

She added: "This is an obstruction offence, which often causes danger, inconvenience and annoyance to pedestrians.

"Any vehicle seen by police or PCSOs to be parked in such a way can be liable to receive a ‘fixed penalty notice’.

"In certain circumstances we may also consider removing a vehicle from the highway and or summonsing the owner to court."

Letters have been sent to residents and in some cases there have been verbal warnings.