Residents have taken a stand in protest against the alcohol-fuelled violence in the area on last year's Christmas eve.

Residents said they had made repeated requests to police and Hume Council for assurance that the festive season would not be marred.

"[But] is anyone doing anything about the trouble we had last year?" resident Bill Papworth asked.

"There were fights all around. What have the police got to say about it? What's the council doing? The council refers us to the police and they don't have any clear answers either."

Cr Ann Porter said the council could not intervene. "Our safety officer has been working with the residents, but there's really no solution to it. It becomes an issue of policing. How can council stop people walking around at night?"

Acting Sergeant Lees said that to ensure safety, residents should inform the police of any functions/parties being planned. "If they register in the Party Safe register, at least we know where to expect trouble."

Mr Papworth said: "We are not having a party. All we do is put up lights and this year we are not even doing that."