RESIDENTS are being urged to step up and name the youths who have been causing a month-long disturbance in Waterside, Chesham.

People living between Trapps Lane and Springfield Road are being intimidated by gangs of teenage boys roaming the streets throwing rubbish in people's gardens, vandalising property, urinating in the street and being raucous.

But so far the police and district council have no leads on their identity and say they are virtually powerless to take effective action unless the boys are caught in the act, or someone comes forward with information leading to their identity.

Chiltern District Council antisocial behaviour officer, Ian MacKilligan said: "Someone must know who these boys are.

"We think they are local to Chesham, but we don't have any names.

"Residents can leave an anonymous tip-off if they want, but we need to know who these boys are for everyone's sake."

Police Community Support Officers have been patrolling the Waterside area regularly after 7pm when the trouble normally starts.

Although this seems to be acting as a partial deterrent, police are appealing for witnesses to ensure the trouble is not simply moved on to another area of town.

Once identified, PCSOs can issue antisocial behaviour contracts or orders to ensure the young person does not repeat offend, or issue dispersal orders to prevent certain people socialising in public.

One of the boys who is repeatedly involved in antisocial behaviour is aged around 16 and of pale complexion.

He was spotted wearing a powder blue hooded top with "69" written on it.

Chesham mayor Cllr Mohammed Bhatti said it was a "distressing" situation and has pledged to tackle antisocial behaviour by increasing the number of youth activities in the town and restoring a sense of civic pride to Chesham.

Cllr Bhatti, who is running for county council election in the Chesham ward, believes if there is more for young people to do in Chesham they will be less tempted to engage in negative behaviour.

Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour should call police on 08458 505 505 or 0800 555 111.