With all the talk of reviving the eastern edge of Colchester’s town centre, there is no getting away from the fact that businesses in Crouch Street are feeling increasingly abandoned.

And that feeling is at boiling point now, with firms saying the are having to fight against antisocial behaviour everyday.

That behaviour, they say, has bordered on threatening and violent as well as racism and bigotry.

Everyone, including Colchester Council and Essex Police, must surely agree this is not acceptable at all.

People should not be fearing for their safety when they go to work in Colchester town centre.

But that appears to be where we are. And no doubt businesses across the town may well be having the same issues.

One of the stories from Crouch Street which causes most concern is PCSOs reportedly stopping a physical assault but allowing the two perpetrators to walk off - understandably enraging the retailer who reported the crime.

There are, of course, issues around the complex needs some of society is facing.

Drug addition and alcoholism are killers. They ruin the lives of their victims and their families.

And clearly Beacon House is doing its very best to support people who need, and want, support.

But we are often told by people who know much better than us that there is a minority of people who do not want help and do not want to engage with services. It is likely these are the people who are causing a headache for Crouch Street firms. We are seeking help on their behalf.