PROBLEMS of anti- social behaviour by boy racers in Tavistock's Bedford Car Park are continuing, despite the promise of a crackdown, a resident has claimed.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said she had lived near the car park for almost two and a half years and there had been problems throughout this time, but she said it was quite clear from her neighbours that this had been going on for more than 15 years.

Anti-social behaviour included revving engines loudly, playing car stereos at full volume, accelerating around the area and using foul language.

'I know police have acted and done all they can, however, nothing has been done by the council to address this situation and I am now forced to run down to my garage to switch on a noise recorder,' she said.

'Then I put myself in a vulnerable position and get number plates whilst being called the most degrading names by these car drivers.'

She said when she contacted the police, she was kept waiting and by the time an officer attended the scene the boy racers would have gone or would be sitting quietly and she was told nothing could be done.

Last month West Devon Borough Council announced on its website that it would be working together with police to tackle the problem.

Police were mounting patrols in the evenings and doing spot-checks to see if cars had a valid MOT and tax certificate and drivers asked to produce insurance documents.

Sgt Dave Anning at Tavistock Police Station said: 'Most young drivers just want to park up and socialise and they cause no problem. Unfortunately, a few selfish ones disturb the neighbours. The actions of the minority make it harder for other young drivers to find somewhere to meet.'

He said details of cars involved in any incidents would be gathered and the vehicles' insurers and registered keepers would be written to.

'Drivers should ask themselves, "Would I do this outside my family home?" If not, don't do it,' said Sgt Anning.

A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council said the council had worked continuously with police and other agencies to tackle the problems of anti-social behaviour in Bedford Car Park.

The council and the police had a 'Have Your Say' event after which diary sheets were issued to all residents in the vicinity.

Environmental health officers had also been using special equipment to monitor noise levels at night and mobile CCTV cameras were due to be deployed shortly.

'Following the latest meeting with the police, the council is now planning to install architectural solutions in Bedford Car Park to deter anti-social driving,' said the spokesperson.

'It was jointly decided that the lighting in the car park remain on at night to prevent the vulnerability of others.

'Research with other councils suggests switching off car park lights at night does little to stop anti-social behaviour.

'The borough council has made it clear that drivers will face formal action if they do not change their behaviour.'

If anyone is concerned about anti-social behaviour in Bedford Car Park or anywhere else in the borough they should contact the community safety team by email at [email protected]">[email protected]