Pensioners have won their fight for railings to protect their block of flats.

The residents wanted to stop youngsters shoving rubbish through their letterboxes and indulging in intimate clinches outside their windows.

Colchester Council confirmed it has granted planning permission for iron railings to go up around St James' Court, on the corner of Colchester's East Street and Guildford Road.

Developer Anglia Secure Homes was denied a request to put up a barrier when it built the recently-completed retirement flats, as the council said it would spoil the appearance of the historic area.

Officials have now agreed to a U-turn after residents suffered a series of problems with antisocial behaviour.