ARSON and anti-social behaviour in Wivenhoe has triggered concerns from town councillors.

Two fires have been set in a week raising concerns this could lead to an even bigger one.

CCTV footage caught a group of youths stealing a morning delivery of newspapers from S&K corner shop.

The newspapers were then used as kindling to burn down a public table-tennis table in the nearby park.

A receipt of a newspaper delivery to the corner was discovered at the scene.

Residents have expressed their disappointment as the table was a popular piece of public equipment in the community.

The town council is debating using funds for a replacement table but fears further arson attacks may occur.

A second fire, near the University of Essex, was discovered by town councillor Shaun Boughton.

Sean was walking his dog when he discovered the remnants of a fire. He reported it to the town council after the attack on the table-tennis table.

The PCSO also told the town council 15 reports of antisocial behavior had been made in the past week.

Some of the incidents included a report from one resident, stating that they had the entirety of their bottle recycling smashed on their front door.

Another resident reported that someone had stolen their milk delivery and thrown it into a muddy area out the front of their house.

Wivenhoe mayor Tom Kane said: “There has been an unacceptable level of criminal vandalism in Wivenhoe over the past week.

"We are working closely with the police to stop this behaviour.”

Mr Boughton said: “The minority taken something away from the majority, it’s a mindless act of vandalism.”

The council is working to discover the cause of the fire and has contacted Essex Police.