COMPLAINTS of anti-social behaviour in south Belfast's Holyands area so far in 2019 have already outstripped figures for the past six years.
More than 11,200 complaints have been received since 2011 by Belfast City Council.
For 2019 the figure has so far reached 1,491 – up almost 60 per cent on the 946 complaints received during the whole of 2013.
The number of complaints has increased year-on-year since then.
For years long-term Holylands residents have complained of anti-social behaviour fuelled by an "oversaturation" of intoxicated students.
The latest figures were revealed in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by Holylands resident Ben McClelland.
"Despite residents actively engaging with Belfast City Council on a regular basis I have not seen any tangible improvement on the ground," he said.
Mr McClelland said a warden scheme was withdrawn years ago and CCTV removed in 2016.
He also raised concerns over staffing levels at peak periods for expected anti-social behaviour such as freshers' fortnight, Halloween and St Patrick's Day.
The Holylands area has a high proportion of students who rent properties.
The highest number of complaints in the past nine years was 1,763 in 2012.
Green Party councillor Áine Groogan warned that residents have "lost faith" in public bodies.
She has submitted a proposal to the council to review its policy for dealing with anti-social behaviour such as on-street drinking, noise and littering.
"I hear from residents of the Holylands and Lower Ormeau almost every day about the appalling living conditions they are subjected to," she said.
"People living in the Holylands shouldn't be expected to put up with this."
A council spokeswoman said it works in partnership with police, universities and other public bodies.
"Council resources in the area are increased at key times in the academic calendar, for example freshers' week and Halloween. Our community safety team engages with residents and students to help address problems such as on-street drinking and noise," she said.
"Some of these issues are considered to be criminal damage and it is the role of the PSNI to investigate this."
