Parts of Basildon are at risk of becoming ghettos because of youth crime and neighbours from hell.

That was the stark warning from would-be Basildon MP Dominic Schofield today.

Some estates are being overrun by gangs of youths hellbent on making misery for families, according to Mr Schofield.

Organised set-ups are even using young spotters with mobile phones to warn older gang members police are in the area, the Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Basildon and East Thurrock claims.

Vange residents last month set up their own crime-fighting group.

Five Links householders also claim their lives are being ruined by young criminals.

Mr Schofield has spent the last two months on a tour of duty with Basildon and Grays police in a bid to uncover the districts' problems and was shocked by what he saw on some estates in Vange.

He said: "Basildon needs to be careful that we do not develop an underclass.

"It's not the Bronx but it's making life a misery for hardworking families who are trying to bring up kids."

Many Five Links residents are scared to open their doors after dark because of youth problems, according to Pat Denne chairman of the Five Links Association.

She said: "Youngsters are coming across from the BCAJ estate opposite, and joining with our children to make groups of up to 30 - and then all hell lets loose.

"We know that some of it is childish, but a lot of the residents on this estate are elderly or disabled, and it frightens them."

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