Concerned residents on Waiariki Street have had enough of fires and vandalism in the dunes at the end of their road.

On Saturday night, worried neighbours called the police six times, as a fire on the beach was getting out of hand.

The fire service was sent, as there is a total fire ban in place at the moment along the beach.

An estimated 60-80 drunk and disorderly young people were causing a disturbance, according to resident Richard Parrott.

'The police came at 11.08pm. The report stated that the lone police officer stayed in his car, with the pack surrounding his car and taking selfies!”

A police spokesperson confirms the fire service attended to put the bonfire out, while the police presence moved the crowd along.

Neighbour Ian Armstrong says since moving into the area in September 2016, there have been five incidents where it has been necessary for him or neighbours to call police or the fire service due to out-of-control, alcohol-fuelled youths.

Richard says they've had trouble before down their street.

'When we first came here 15 years ago, there was drug dealing down the bottom of the street. I don't think that happens anymore, now we have streetlights and a decent carpark. So that's probably vanished. But now these young people come down here and get drunk and light fires on the beach.”

He says residents are concerned for their homes if the fires ever spread along the dunes, and believe something urgently needs to be done. Ian has written to the council on behalf of the residents requesting a security camera be installed at the beach access point, as well as an extension of the liquor ban.

Saturday's incident follows an earlier fire in the area after New Year's, which damaged the dunes.