Drug dealing, underage drinking, violence and rowdiness are just a few of the problems facing residents who live near an Oxford community centre, they say.

Residents said life near the East Oxford Community Centre, in Princes Street, has been made 'hellish' recently by people using the centre's social club. None of the residents living near the centre said they were prepared to be named in the Oxford Mail for fear of reprisals.

One said: "Things have been hellish. You name it, it's happening right outside our front door. We've witnessed drug deals, people openly smoking dope in the street, underage drinking, fighting, urinating, vomiting.

"It really is intimidating and threatening behaviour which we just shouldn't have to put up with. We've even had people sitting in our front garden doing drug deals. It's awful - and no-one seems to be taking responsibility for it. We've complained and complained and written scores of letters, but without results."

Another resident said: "There just seems to be no end of problems related to the centre and we've had enough. We're sick and tired of our quality of life being affected like this."

The issue was raised at a meeting this week, when residents were invited to tell police about problems affecting the area.

Inspector Jim O'Ryan, of Thames Valley Police, listened to a large number of people detail their concerns. The public then voted on the three issues they feel should be prioritised - anti-social behaviour, parking offences and drug dealing - and addressed by a neighbourhood action group.

Neighbourhood policing chief Insp Andy Talbot said: "Residents can be assured that we are aware of the problems such as the one in Princes Street and we will update them with progress reports.

"We have listened to their concerns. People have told us that antisocial behaviour is a priority, so we will focus on that. We will then be asking people if things have got better."

No-one at the community centre, owned by the city council, was available for comment. A council spokesman said: "The social club side is nothing to do with us."