People living in the King Street area say some of them have been threatened by dealers and pimps.

Arthur Kemp, who runs the the Ferry Boat pub, said the street was becoming more violent - a mixture of prostitution and the growing number of crack cocaine users.

He said he saw one pimp, many of whom are crack cocaine addicts, attack a customer with a hammer.

Norwich City councillor Eamonn Burgess

"We don't want people to think that's what this area is all about.

"This is the type of thing that has happened in this area but the community people as a whole are nice people.

"We don't need this type of situation."

Norwich City councillor Eamonn Burgess said the area was ready for regeneration but it did have a reputation for crime and prositution.

"Something has got to be tackled here," he said.

Norfolk police say that on current figures, although the area is a red light district, it is not a crime hotspot.

But it is claimed many incidents in King Street have not been reported to police.

Officers have appealed for more information, asking people to come forward with reports of incidents relating to drugs or violence.

A second public meeting for people to voice their concerns is planned for the end of this month.