Residents in and around Kiddles, Yeovil, have started the new year hoping for peace and quiet to prosper.
People living in the area, which includes part of Eastland Road, say the past six months have seen a rapid decline with vandalism and anti-social behaviour reaching an all-time high.
The Clarion Advertiser have spoken to two such residents, who wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. When shown around the area, we came across one burnt-out caravan, one dumped and vandalised vehicle, one vehicle with an invalid tax disc and a row of garages with signs of attempted forced entry.
In addition, there were examples of unsavoury graffiti on a number of walls.
The time of the visit coincided with police appeals after one vehicle had been damaged by a group of youths when parked on Eastland Road.
The two residents have no idea why the past six months have been so bad, but feel action is needed urgently.
"Anarchy reigns. Residents have to put up with continuous torching of vehicles dangerously close to their dwellings, which are tediously daubed in mindless graffiti.
"They have appealed to the police and local authorities for protection to no avail, so far. I understand, however, that a person has been appointed to serve as a regeneration worker for the area - so maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel," one of the residents said.
By coincidence, the district council issued a press release this week about the appointment. Marie Ainsworth, previously a senior planning officer with Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, has just started work as a regeneration officer for eastern Yeovil.
Her main objective is to involve retailers and property owners in identifying regeneration projects, so will not target crime and anti-social behaviour issues directly.
From a law and order point of view, town clerk Tawse said that the town council has been consulted on the concept of street wardens.
As previously reported, these would work as a link between the community and the police, helping to reduce the fear of crime. When first introduced in the UK, street wardens were referred to as toy cops in some quarters - and Yeovil town councillors were divided on the subject.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary wishes to introduce street wardens in Yeovil East and Yeovil Central, but are currently in the process of finding money for the project.
The Home Office has offered to pay 50% of costs but the remainder must be found locally.