RESIDENTS in a Gwent village claim they are being plagued by gangs of boy racers.

Police have received a number of complaints about youths gathering outside the car park in Gilwern, and speeding motorbikes and cars have been reported in Common Road.

It follows reports of cars being raced around the picnic site and along Dan Y Bryn and Brynglas.

Residents have also told police of two hotspots - the picnic area and the canal - where late-night anti-social behaviour regularly occurs and where gangs of youths aged around 11 to 18 loiter.

Some residents say they have been kept awake all night by youths shouting from the canal paths.

Monmouthshire county councillor Tony Carrington said boy racers used the gravel area near the canal to do wheelies and handbrake turns.

"We need a zero-tolerance measure to this," said Councillor Carrington. "Police respond but I think we need preventative measures."

He believes there is also a drug culture emerging in the area, adding that he had seen "bongs, foil and needles" and on one occasion had thrown away two syringes. Councillor Carrington is now hoping to meet the police to discuss his concerns.

"My greatest fear is lack of support from police, who cannot be everywhere at once," he said. "They have limited resources and these youths just get moved on to other towns. I fear vigilantism will come of it."

Boy racers have plagued residents of Abergavenny, Blackwood and Blaenavon in the past, with crackdowns in each town.

Inspector Marc Budden, of Abergavenny police, said Operation Hyacinth, which was set up to tackle the problem of boy racers, was still in operation.

He added that a 16-year-old was arrested on Tuesday for motoring offences and a car seized.

Inspector Budden said questionnaires on anti-social behaviour had been handed to residents.

"Operation Hyacinth has been a success in Abergavenny and neighbour policing teams actively patrol the area on foot and by car on a regular basis.

"We have not had any reports of drug paraphernalia found but we encourage anyone who comes across any to contact us on 01633 838111."