Yobs in Sanquhar are running amok and “making lives a misery”.

Residents have accused police of a “feckless approach” to the problems of antisocial behaviour.

One letter to councillors states: “Driven to near breaking point by the continuing abysmal efforts by the police at Sanquhar to tackle anti-social behaviour in our community, we are writing to seek your assistance in trying to motivate them to take this more seriously.

“This letter isn’t an attack on all youths. It’s about the tiny minority who are making some of our lives miserable aided by police inaction.”

The community council will meet police on Wednesday to discuss the issues.

Councillor Jim Dempster said: “This is an absolute disgrace. There’s about 600 kids between Sanquhar and Kirkconnel and about 10 causing problems. It’s a small number the police can’t seem to control.

“People are looking for reassurances that there’s something being done to combat it.”

Chief Insp Stephen Stiff, area commander said: “Concerns raised by the community around antisocial behaviour are taken seriously.

“A spike in reports at the end of 2017 was dealt with by officers, and reports this year show a decrease.

“Most of the reported problems involve youngsters between 11-13 years of age banging on doors, throwing stones and snowballs with a number being traced and dealt with.

“Sanquhar is a safe place to live, reports of housebreakings, vandalism and threatening behaviour are decreasing. The community are encouraged to keep in contact with their local officers.”