Plain-clothes police officers have begun night-time patrols to clamp down on 'boy racers' who use Eastbourne streets as a racetrack.

It is part of an effort to banish "cruisers" who for 11 years have driven town centre residents to despair with their late-night activities.

Up to 60 drivers have kept residents awake with rubber-burning wheel-spins, thumping music and foul language.

Some of the racers' late-night activities have disturbed patients and their families in the recovery rooms at Esperance Private Hospital in Hartington Place.

Police have now stepped up their efforts by deploying officers in unmarked cars in the town centre after dark.

It has already yielded results, with 30 vehicles booked in the area during the past few weeks.

And their efforts are being praised by long-suffering residents who have put up with late-night noise and vandalism.

Sergeant Rob Barrasford said: "It is all part of a new unit which has been set up to ensure there are fewer victims of crime and antisocial behaviour in Eastbourne.

"During the past few weeks we have been targeting antisocial behaviour directly through using a number of methods, including plain clothes officers.

"However, it's going to take time and it's going to have to be a joint effort with all the various groups locally."

The renewed crackdown follows pressure from the Memorial Square Residents Action Group, which represents more than 500 people.

Chairman Brian Jones, of Trinity Trees, Eastbourne, said: "Up until 10pm Eastbourne is a truly lovely place to live.

"But after that it's like Brands Hatch, with these boy racers roaring up and down in their cars, playing their loud music and making a nuisance of themselves."