Fed-up Helston residents have joined forces in a bid to combat growing problems of noise, litter, vandalism and violence in their neighbourhood.

People living and working in Coinagehall Street have formed a residents' association in a concerted effort to improve their deteriorating quality of life.

Some 20 people attended the association's inaugural meeting on Monday and more have since expressed an interest in joining the campaign.

Resident Ned Stone said local people had had enough of anti-social behaviour in the street late at night.

"There are drunks roaming around the place screaming and fighting, people are using the opes as lavatories, windows are regularly smashed and the litter is unimaginable.

"With that kind of behaviour going on, you don't feel like going out much after 10.30pm. It is frightening.

"We can't put up with it any more. We are all paying our council tax and we are not getting a lot for it."

Mr Stone said the association hoped to bring pressure to bear on the district council regarding the licensing of clubs and takeaway outlets in the street, as well as on refuse issues.

The group is also planning to take its concerns to the police, the town council and to local MP Andrew George.

Association chairman Angela Carroll, who has lived and worked in Coinagehall Street for 18 years, said the problems had gradually been getting worse.

"Why should we have to live with this obnoxious behaviour?" she said. "We need more of a police presence and we need something done about these places staying open so late.

"Our aim is to try and clean up the street - to improve the quality of life for everyone living here. The more people who come on board, the more chance we have of getting something done."

Inspector Rachel Tills, from Helston police station, said she was unaware of the existence of the residents' association, but would be "more than happy" to meet them to discuss their concerns.

A new beat officer, Pc Tracey Fuller, was covering the town centre and would be working a mixed shift pattern in an attempt to address specific issues, she added.

Residents are hoping a police representative will attend the association's next meeting, due to take place on Monday, July 7.