More than 100 people have signed a petition to make the area around a parade of Huntingdon shops a “no drinking zone”.

Groups of men are said to have been “causing a nuisance” after consuming alcohol in the street in Sapley, sometimes as early as 8.30am.

Passers-by including mums on the school run have reported being intimidated and have resorted to taking alternative routes to avoid walking past them in Oak Drive.

The groups are said to have been up to 12-strong and people have been approached for spare change for more booze.

An ipetition has been set up by Shaun Griggs, calling on Huntingdonshire District Council and police to take action so alcohol can be confiscated.

It urges people to add their signature to the campaign to create a “no drinking zone”. Mr Griggs adds: “This needs to be stopped. Please sign it and share to make everyone feel a bit safer in our community.”

The issue appears to be a recurring problem, with efforts having been made previously to resolve the situation.

A similar plea was made in 2012 when Sheena Earley became so fed up with street drinking that she demanded action.

As a mum-of-six, she was particularly concerned about the potential impact on her children of witnessing alcohol being swigged in public.

At the time, a Cambridgeshire police spokesman said the force was working with Huntingdonshire District Council to create posters in four languages to ask people to be considerate to others.

But two years on, and the same concerns have been raised again. Mr Griggs, posting on Facebook earlier this month, said police had told him there had been no reports of problems since the beginning of March but they would put in place “regular patrols”.

They also advised people to report the matter to police by calling 101.

INFORMATION: To sign the online petition, visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/make-sapley-shops-area-a-no-drinking-zone.