All-night ravers are keeping south Shropshire residents awake by driving through their village in the dead of night, it has been claimed.

Residents in Mainstone have complained about the noise after midnight as dozens of cars are driven through the village to the gatherings. And they have also raised concerns about cars being damaged as vehicles pass through.

The issue was raised during a Shropshire Council local joint committee meeting in Bishop’s Castle on Tuesday night when locals complained about dozens of cars driving through the village.

Parish councillor Anthony Haighway said householders were kept awake by revellers travelling to and from the all-night raves.

The most recent event took place last month when nearly 140 cars were heard driving through Mainstone between 12.30am and 2.30am.

Mr Haighway said on a previous occasion cars were also damaged by vehicles passing through and one car had been written off.

“I am aware of the incidents. We are talking about open air raves with about 500 or 600 people. These people travel not just from Bishop’s Castle. They come as far as Manchester and long distances,” he said.

At first villagers thought all the cars were taking part in an all-night rally but loud music was heard from the Two Crosses area.

Many residents are kept awake during the parties and revellers are informed by text, locals say.

Martin Hudson, who farms in the Mainstone area, said: “I don’t know why they come this way. They don’t know where they are going.

“They come up to the farmyard and at that time of night it is not very nice.

“The next morning I can imagine what they have been up to and they should not be on the roads.

“It is a bit hit-and-miss at times. There have been a couple of accidents. They just drive off and they won’t take responsibility for it.”

Maria Hawkaluk, a spokeswoman for West Mercia police, said officers had not received any complaints about an incident of anti-social behaviour in the Mainstone area

She said: “We would urge residents to report any such problems to police immediately when they occur.”