Fears Colchester's Dutch Quarter is becoming anti-social hub

It comes as residents fear anti-social behaviour is on the increase in the Dutch Quarter and the areas surrounding High Street.

An Essex Police spokesman stated it has a “range of teams” in Colchester dealing with the issue head on in a bid to crackdown on low-level crime.

Castle councillor Mark Goacher told the Gazette he has had an influx of concerned residents approach him about a plethora of issues in the ward.

He said he has received reports of known drug dealers roaming the streets in groups while illicit deals have been made in plain view in the historic Dutch Quarter.

Historic - Colchester's Dutch Quarter

Other residents have complained they’ve had rubbish being dumped into their gardens from nuisance neighbours, the councillor, a sixth form teacher, added.

“Anti-social behaviour is obviously going to be a big issue within any city centre but what concerned me was the sheer amount of people coming forward with an issue,” said Mr Goacher.

“There are certain parts of Colchester which need more attention, there is a casual lack of respect, littering and noise and there are ongoing problem residents in certain streets.”

He continued: “If the police were given the resources they could adopt a zero tolerance policy which would prevent small issues becoming bigger ones. We could do with extra CCTV too.

Concerned - Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher (Image: Steve Brading)

“It’s a very small minority but when you have group activities like the drug dealing it can have a massive impact on a community.”

An Essex Police spokesman encouraged residents to report non-emergency incidents to them so an “accurate picture” of incidents can be painted and acted upon accordingly.

“We recognise anti-social behaviour can have a large impact on the lives of residents and we have a range of teams in Colchester working to tackle it,” he said.

“Visible patrols form a large part of our policing plan to combat that, but we also utilise a number of teams’ expertise in our response.”

“Where perpetrators of crimes are identified, action is being taken in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, criminal charges.”