Police are sending Eastbourne's "boy racers" warning letters in a new bid to crack down on menace motorists.

It is part of a renewed effort to rid the town of drivers who have caused misery for residents for more than for ten years.

Their rubber-burning wheel-spins, loud thumping music and foul language have driven mainly elderly residents to distraction in the early hours.

Some have left the resort just months after moving in while others have been afraid to call police for fear of reprisals.

Boy racers were forced out of Eastbourne following a police operation late last year but a few have made a return during the past month.

Now members of the Eastbourne Community Problem Solving Team is leading an operation to restore peace.

They will be using video cameras, CCTV and plain-clothes officers to catch them in the act as well as sending out letters warning they are on their trail.

The letters say they will consider using antisocial behaviour orders, which could lead to a five-year driving ban on a first offence.

PC Gary Baker, of the team, said: "Antisocial behaviour within the town is unacceptable and this includes the so-called boy racers."

The campaign to rid areas like Devonshire Place, Trinity Trees, Hartington Place and Hyde Gardens of the racers has been led by the Memorial Square Residents' Action Group.

The group, which represents 500 residents, raised a 15,000-name petition which was taken to Downing Street demanding more police on Eastbourne's streets.

Group chairman Brian Jones, of Trinity Trees, said: "We have a lot of gratitude to the police who have worked wonderfully during the past nine months to get rid of the problem.

"But the boy racers appear to be creeping back, most notably with people blasting their horns sometimes until the early hours.

"We certainly welcome the efforts made by the team and have every confidence in them."