RESIDENTS have raised a petition calling for CCTV cameras to be installed on their trouble-hit estate in Maidstone.

More than 400 people signed the petition led by Senacre estate's Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Bernard Allan-Smith.

Mr Allan-Smith said an incident on Monday when vandals used a gas bottle to cause an explosion on the estate highlighted the need for tighter security. He stressed: "We thought we had solved our problems a few years ago but another generation has come through.

"We are also suffering because Tovil and Shepway have cameras and it is pushing their problems our way.The police can't be here all the time and we need CCTV cameras to help keep the troublemakers at bay."

Emergency services were called to Senacre on Monday night following the explosion on the estate. Vandals put a gas bottle on a bonfire in a copse near Senacre Square and it blew up.

Mr Allan-Smith said the blast was so loud residents thought someone's house had blown up. A group of 12, 13 and 14-year-olds were seen running from the area.