CCTV will be installed at Minehead Harbour in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

The area around Quay Street, Quay Street West, Culvercliffe and the general harbour itself will be covered by the cameras after suffering an upsurge in drunken behaviour and boy racers.

The CCTV unit, which was given the go-ahead at last Thursday's meeting of West Somerset Council's planning committee, will be put on a pole outside Minehead's harbourmaster's office.

Committee members were told there had been a rise in the number of anti-social behaviour incidents, ranging from youths throwing rocks into the harbour to general rowdy behaviour and noisy drunks, as well as 'boy racers' speeding along Quay Street.

The town's CCTV co-ordinator Keith Wigglesworth said: "It has been decided that the siting of a CCTV camera in the area would help combat the problems currently being caused.

"The camera would also assist the policing of special events held in the harbour area, in particular the annual raft race and harbour festival."

The 5.2 metre high column would be made of galvanised steel, with all the fittings made of stainless steel.

In a report to councillors, planning officer Sue Keal said the site was located within the Quay Street conservation area, with several listed buildings nearby, including The Quay and the Old Ship Aground pub.

But she said it was not considered that the installation would have any significant impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area as there was an existing VHF antenna - which would be relocated - and a further pole and aerial beyond the harbour master's office.

The Minehead Boatmans' Association also called for improved monitoring and vigilance following a number of incidents over the past year or so.

The association said the area was "vulnerable" and that members had had problems with broken glass and rocks in their boats, while locks and windows had been smashed.

Councillors agreed with planning officers and approved the application for planning permission.

They said the CCTV unit would improve the quality of life for local residents and protect property within the harbour.