People living in Cullercoats were left shocked, upset and angry in May after scenes they described as a "virtual riot" erupted after the beach was filled with people drinking alcohol.

Now they want the popular attraction to be 'handed back to the community' by having the beaches along the North Tyneside coast made alcohol free zones.

A petition signed by 1,172 people was handed in to North Tyneside Council last week urging action to be taken.

In handing over the petition, resident Anna Tooke said: "This is not because of a one-off incident.

"Problems have escalated over the last four or five years yet nothing has been done.

"Everyone agrees that the only way to stop anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol is to put a ban on alcohol on the beaches.

"This petition demonstrates the strength of feeling from residents towards disorder, violence, graffiti and break-ins.

"There has been a massive improvement in police presence since the virtual riots on May 10.

"But this level of policing cannot last forever as resources are limited.

"People of Cullercoats deserve better than having to put up with alcohol-fuelled behaviour."

Northumbria Police, and officers from Whitley Bay in particular, have stepped up patrols at Cullercoats during peak times following the incident.

They say they are happy to be consulted about the issue and supply any relevant information to the council.

Neighbourhood Inspector Tony Blacklock, of Whitley Bay neighbourhood policing team, said: "Incidents of disorder on the beaches are few.

"During May we did have one incident of disorder on the beach at Cullercoats and this resulted in three people being arrested.

"But no crimes were reported to us and no reports of anyone being injured.

"We also have an ongoing operation to tackle the problem or disorder on the beaches and surrounding areas, which supports the current summer youth initiative 'We asked, You said, We did'.

"We have extra officers on patrols in the 'hotspot' areas so that any problems can be quickly dealt with."

There are currently 36 streets – as well as all parks, public areas and cemeteries – in the Whitley Bay and Cullercoats area which come under an alcohol exclusion zone

A council spokesperson said: "We are looking to extend alcohol exclusion zones to take into account the issues across the borough where clearly they need addressing.

"This petition from residents at Cullercoats will be considered as part of that process in consultation with our partners."