Hooligan boy racers are continuing to cause havoc for folk living near a city beauty spot but hope of thwarting the disruption has emerged.

People living in Britannia Road in Thorpe Hamlet have endured drivers speeding down the 20mph road and gathering at the car park overlooking St James' Hill late at night and in the early hours, for around 20 years.

Norwich Evening News: Cars parked legally in Britannia Road car park, Norwich, in the dayCars parked legally in Britannia Road car park, Norwich, in the day (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

They claim the problem is worse in spring, summer and autumn and many people in the street are "irritated" because of "roaring and popping engines" and loud music.

But there is hope that Norfolk Police will get a three-month temporary police closure order banning cars from parking in the area between 9pm and 5am, which could come into force in March and potentially be extended by another three months.

Norwich Evening News: City and county councillor Mike Sands, left, on St James Hill Norwich, next to Britannia Road car park in NorwichCity and county councillor Mike Sands, left, on St James Hill Norwich, next to Britannia Road car park in Norwich (Image: Mike Sands)

Labour city and county councillor Mike Sands, who is chairman of the Mousehold Conservators group which owns the car park, has been involved in community discussions and hopes the order would provide "breathing space" for "a more permanent solution".

This could even include an acoustic camera, four of which are being trialled in Great Yarmouth, Bradford, Birmingham and Bristol as part of a £300,000 government investment.

Norwich Evening News: Geologist Andy Sharpe who lives in Britannia Road, NorwichGeologist Andy Sharpe who lives in Britannia Road, Norwich (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Geologist Andy Sharpe, 61, said: "You get drivers doing wheelspins. We hear the screech of brakes. They do U-turns and leave burnt rubber.

"The car park is one of the nicest spots in Norwich but is being damaged by road hooligans ruining it for everyone else."

Norwich Evening News: The view from St James Hill in NorwichThe view from St James Hill in Norwich (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

He added that last year the road was blocked near the car park which created a "threatening environment".

Mr Sharpe estimated vehicles sometimes travelled down the road three times over the speed limit with some congregating at 10pm and staying until 4am.

Norwich Evening News: Artist Paul Jackson, who lives in Britannia Road, NorwichArtist Paul Jackson, who lives in Britannia Road, Norwich (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Writer and artist Paul Jackson, 70, said: "They put speakers on the barracks wall at 1am which exasperates people."

He added rubbish was strewn after car meets but appreciated not everybody who gathered created anti-social behaviour.

Mr Jackson said something was needed to "control the situation" so "the disruptive element would vanish because people would get caught".

Norwich Evening News: Britannia Road in Norwich, where people living in the street are concerned about joyridersBritannia Road in Norwich, where people living in the street are concerned about joyriders (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Steve Robinson, 39, who has a three-year-old son, was worried about "crazy speeders on the road" and the safety implications on people living in the street.

He added: "You hear cars backfiring and cannot open your windows if it is nice day".