A COMMUNITY has rallied to counter anti-social behaviour caused by youths “terrorising” an estate in Colchester.

A meeting was called by Colchester Borough Homes’ anti-social behaviour team to work towards a resolution due to ongoing trouble in the Greenstead estate.

It follows six young people being arrested in Greenstead on suspicion of causing £10,000 worth of criminal damage, with some also arrested for racially aggravated offences.

The meeting at Greenstead Community Centre, in Hawthorn Avenue, saw about 30 residents meet with police, councillors and various housing firms and other agencies.

Those present heard how residents had been intimidated and threatened, while others had eggs, stones and bricks thrown at their properties.

Read more: Youths arrested on suspicion of criminal damage totalling £10k and racist offences

Some residents told Greenstead councillor Tim Young they didn’t want to attend the meeting, fearing repercussions from delinquent youths.

Mr Young explained all agencies present at the meeting are now drafting a plan to help tackle the issue, with talks of restarting a youth club among the proposals.

“We haven’t seen trouble in Greenstead like this for 20 years,” said Mr Young. “This has been sustained and targeted behaviour from a small group who are causing a shed-load of trouble.

“It used to be an unwritten rule not to cause trouble on your own doorstep but this group seem to take pleasure in causing trouble here.

“Residents have told me how if you stand up to them you are then targeted. It’s distressing when this happens.”

Hearing residents’ concerns, Essex Police pledged to step up its patrols on the estate, with Colchester Borough Homes investigating any breaches of tenancy conditions from people behaving anti-socially.

Mr Young added: “What this meeting proved to me is the strength and community spirit on the estate, with everyone coming together to condemn a small minority who need to be brought into line.

“The community and all statutory agencies were prepared to say they won’t put up with this anymore.

“I love walking round Greenstead and it’s a real blow to hear people may feel too intimidated to do the same in fear of a small minority.”