A crisis meeting has been called in Hockley after youths vandalised an NHS walk-in centre.

Enough's enough - Jeremy Thomass wants to put a stop to vandalism in Hockley Picture: ANNA LUKALA

Rochford District Councillor Jeremy Thomass, of Hamilton Gardens, Hockley, decided enough was enough after the health centre, off Spa Road, was vandalised by a gang of teenagers.

Around 15 youths smashed up the front fence and threw stones at the doors and windows at around 11pm.

Mr Thomass said this was the latest in a string of incidents of vandalism and intimidation against the people of the town.

He plans to organise a public meeting in the next few weeks, where residents will be able to complain to council and police representatives.

He said: "Hopefully then they will realise there is a problem and do something about it."

"One of the local residents called a nurse who works at the NHS centre to tell her what was going on. No one called the police because they knew nothing would be done."

Acting Inspector Kevin Diable-White of Rayleigh police said: "We are aware that there have been problems in the Hockley and Hawkwell area in the last few months and we have been seeking to address this.

"If it comes to our attention that there is a need for additional resources we will look at the situation."

Published Wednesday April 7, 2004

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