SMOKING, drinking, and smashed glass bottles are just some of the issues keeping residents in Inverkeithing awake at night.

That's according to Linda Paterson, who says that broken glass left near her home in Friary Court has even resulted in hundreds of pounds spent on vet trips for dogs with cut feet.

"They're smoking dope, smashing bottles, burning bins and seats, and taking stones out of the old wall which belongs to the friary," she told the Press.

"We are just all fed up, it goes on well into the night.

"I have spoken to them a couple of times, apparently I shouldn't have done that, but they never answer back."

She says those congregating are secondary school-age and older and that the mess, including dog fouling, they leave behind has to be cleared up by residents and dog-walkers.

Her own dog, a cocker spaniel who acts as a medical aid for Linda's diabetes, has had to be rushed to the vet in the past due to injuries caused by leftover rubbish, visits which she says cost her £400 each time.

Damage to the 14th-century friary has also been a concern, with claims that the group smash stones from the ancient walls on the concrete steps they meet near.

"It's just got worse," she said.

"There is screaming and howling all night, it's girls and boys.

"My dog sits at the window and growls, you can see right in."

Linda moved to Inverkeithing from Skye just a year and a half ago, and says there has been no respite from the noise and mess in that time.

Fife Council have called the behaviour a "blight" and have promised to step up patrols in response.

Tricia Spacey, safer communities team manager, commented: "Vandalism and anti-social behaviour of any kind is unacceptable and a blight on our communities.

"We've had no reports of anti-social behaviour in this area but we will step up patrols to help combat this behaviour.

"We would encourage members of the public to report any further incidences here https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/community-life2/safer-communities/antisocial-behaviour ."

Police Scotland Inspector Tony Rogers added: "We are acutely aware of the disruptive effect anti-social behaviour can have on our communities and we target our efforts accordingly.

"Young people are often blamed in general terms for anti-social behaviour in the community. But it is worth stressing that the vast majority of young people do not come to the attention of police.

"We know that a small minority do sometimes become involved in anti-social behaviour and their actions can have a negative impact on the lives of local residents.

"Local officers will respond to reports of disorder, providing reassurance to the community, as well as engaging with young people and discouraging anti-social behaviour.

"We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.

"I would also urge parents and guardians to make sure that they know where their children are, who they are associating with and what they are doing.

"I would ask that anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area contact police by calling 101, via the Police Scotland website or by speaking to any police officer."