PLANS to stamp out vandalism and loutish behaviour at Lake Esmond are under way.Ballarat City Council will help set up a neighbourhood group so local residents can once again enjoy the Ballarat East lake precinct.In January, fed-up Larter Street residents called a site meeting with Councillor Ben Taylor and Victoria Police to express their anger at having cars and gardens vandalised and drunks roaming the streets at night.Hoon driving was also rife, and the Lake Esmond pier was once set on fire.A resident, who only wished to be known as Jamie, said she was scared at night.“I go to bed waiting to hear some idiots somewhere ... you see them carrying slabs of beer into the lake,” Jamie said.Extra police patrols have been carried out at Lake Esmond since January, which residents say has helped.Extra lighting, graffiti removal, more signs and maintenance of the retaining wall will also be investigated. At its last meeting, council also resolved to try and get community service group support for the lake as a social project.Cr Taylor said Lake Esmond was a hidden jewel in Ballarat East.“It’s a great spot in warm weather. We want people to be involved in it ... but some are not behaving the way they ought to,” Cr Taylor said.“This is a great report, reinforcing council’s commitment to that space.”Cr Des Hudson said a Friends of Lake Esmond would be ideal.“This report has begun that process,” Cr Hudson said.Initially known as the Larter Street clayhole, council tried in 2002 to convert it into the Lake Esmond Native Botanical Gardens.However, a lack of support saw it become the Lake Esmond Neighbourhood Park instead.In summer, it is a popular swimming hole and picnicking spot and it is regularly used as a walking track all year round.