A major clampdown on anti-social behaviour and vandalism in Castle Point was today being thrashed out following a community meeting.

Way forward - the police, traders, residents and head teachers were among the groups at the meeting thrashing out a vandal clampdown Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

Police chiefs, traders, residents representatives, church leaders, head teachers and councillors are among those who attended the top-level meeting at the Oysterfleet Hotel, Canvey.

They heard of the continual youth nuisance problems - but also the varied solutions currently under way to tackle them.

As a result, a further meeting is now to take place in the new year with even more strategies on the table.

County Councillor Ray Howard, who chaired the meeting said: "It was very successful. We had delegates from all walks of life.

Ian Kennedy, the borough's community safety officer said: "It's not just a problem for the police. It's a community problem - a social problem.

"We need to try to find out what causes the problems and try to prevent them before they happen."

Published Thursday November 20, 2003

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