ENOUGH is enough, say residents who are tired of living in an area they have labelled "the forgotten end of Northallerton".

Now, those living near the derelict site that used to be Great Mills and next to boarded-up houses opposite Somerfield supermarket have formed the North End action group - NAG for short - and started a petition.

Spokesman Mr Ian Watkins, who lives near the Standard pub, said: "This end of the town has been the forgotten end for far too long. We have gone through the process of writing letters to councils, but we have three agencies who just blame each other.

"No one comes forward to help; they just want us to shut up and go away."

In less than a week, more than 400 people have signed a petition calling for action. It says North End has no litter bins, no municipal flower troughs or displays, no dog waste bins, and suffers derelict buildings, blocked drains and undeveloped wasteland.

Mr Paul Johnson, who owns the Standard with his wife, Sheila, said he had been complaining since the couple took over the pub. He said: "If Barker's had to trade in these conditions, something would be done about it. Why don't we get the same treatment?"

Mr Watkins and Mr Johnson said children walked to school across the derelict site earmarked for a Safeway supermarket. They said it was littered with glass and human excrement and should be made safe and cleaned up.

Mr Johnson said he had also made several complaints about the empty houses next to his pub, all boarded up. He said the street suffered infestations of flies during the summer and pigeons nested in the buildings.

He had written to the owner, FT Construction, and to Hambleton environmental health department calling for action, but nothing had happened.

NAG has written to Hambleton, the county and the town councils, stating its plight, and petitions and posters are now being delivered to businesses throughout the town.

"We want them to realise we are here and clean the place up," said Mr Watkins.

Nobody from FT Construction was available to comment, but Mr Steve Quartermain from Hambleton council confirmed that he had received a letter from the group and said the council would be willing to open discussions.

"It is important that the issues are listed so that other people who have responsibilities are involved in these discussions."