An angry resident is calling for the speedier removal of abandoned cars after his fence was damaged when one was set alight near his home.

Andrew Lumb, of Crittall Close, Silver End, said there had been a continuing problem with abandoned cars in the Grooms Lane parking area. He added that several of the cars had also been set alight.

When a beige Ford Orion which had been left next to his home was set alight, his fence was also burnt.

Mr Lumb said: "This has been going on for the three years I have lived here and there have been several set alight, but this time my fence caught alight too.

"What gets me is that somebody must have gone out at 3.30am with the intention of doing this."

He added: "The council should be moving these cars as soon as possible as they are a danger to the people. We have kids jumping on them and smashing them up. Sooner or later someone will get hurt."

A spokesman for Braintree Council said it was currently working to a two to three-week backlog, but the issue was being dealt with.

He added: "When you look at the number of cars involved and the procedures that have to be followed, this is actually fairly quick. This is an important issue and one we are not taking lightly."

Published Wednesday December 19, 2001