A village is being overrun by yobs and vandals, according to a resident.

Christine Chapman, 43, works with community groups in the Parish Hall, Lower Higham Road, Chalk, where many windows have been smashed by louts.

The accountant, who has asked for her address not to be published due to fear of reprisals, wants a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in the area.

She said: "A lot of the windows are boarded up and we often find smashed glass over the floor. Youngsters even run across the roof when we're inside.

"Car windows are smashed, my bonnet was dented with footprints all over it and gangs of youths just hang around."

She added: "There has been a big upsurge in these incidents in the last year and we need more police and a PCSO."

At a Neighbourhood Watch meeting at the parish hall in March, more than 300 residents turned out to voice their concerns about the problem.

Conservative councillor Lynne Ennis-Goatham, who represents Chalk ward, is calling for action from Gravesham Council to deal with the problem.

She said: "The ruling group has asked for just four PCSOs but the Conservatives wanted 10 because there would have been more to go around.

"The village needs one because elderly people are scared to go out and it is making life miserable."

The council has bid for four PCSOs from the Home Office, which would jointly fund them, and is set to find out later this month if they have been approved.

But cabinet member for community wellbeing, Councillor Jean Christie, said: "While appreciating the problems in Chalk, we have to consider all residents who are suffering due to anti-social behaviour.

"If our bid gets the go-ahead I would expect the PCSOs to be utilised over as wide an area as possible."

A north Kent police spokesman confirmed they are trying to recruit a dedicated area officer for Gravesend East, including Chalk, and will continue to respond to incidents in the area.