People power is set to revive a housing estate's community spirit after residents packed a meeting to start their own association.

More than 60 people packed out a school hall last night to discuss ways to transform Witham's Humber Road estate by setting up a community group.

There has been a growing rift between youngsters who complain about having nothing to do and adults frustrated by what they see as anti-social behaviour.

Mum-of-four Linda Green, who rallied residents to the meeting at Powers Hall Junior School, in the estate's Spa Road, said the solution to the problem was to work together.

The group aims to provide the youngsters with something to do in order to curb the problems.

Mrs Green, of Medway Avenue, said: "These are not bad kids, they are our kids. They all help with their own nans, mums and families but when they get in groups, they can act silly.

"There is nothing for them to do. Surely, if we give them something to occupy themselves this will take them off the streets and give us all want we want - a bit of quiet."

Another mum speaking at the meeting, Sharon Chamberlain, said: "There is no community spirit here and we need to work together to help ourselves.

But its not just about teenagers, we want to do something for all ages like maybe bingo."

Ideas for the new association were discos, outings, social evenings for adults and community hall.

Ben Bartlett, Braintree football community link co-ordinator, also attended the meeting. He asked for adult volunteers and young players to take part in a football project for the estate which would be council funded.

Witham Mayor Tom Hewitt pledged the town council's support in achieving their goals.

Residents in favour of the scheme are now being asked to sign up up to join the association and to spread the message of the meeting to those who could not attend.

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