A councillor has turned investigator to catalogue a trail of destruction by youths which has left people too scared to leave their homes.
Thorney Bay recreation ground on Canvey has become a "booze park" where more than 40 youths meet up on Friday and Saturday nights. Some are as young as 12.
Residents have complained of smashed bottles, yobs urinating in gardens, and verbal abuse.
Canvey Independent councillor Brian Wood today revealed he had secretly taken photos to highlight the problems.
Mr Wood said: "Round here residents call Thorney Bay recreational ground Thorney Booze Park. Many are terrified of the youths who hang around outside their doors every Friday and Saturday night.
"It's the unofficial drinking area for teenagers and youths not even in their teens.
"They arrive with vodka, wine and beer in boxes. The bottles are still there, smashed, in the morning.
"The drinking starts at 7pm. They urinate in people's gardens, smash bottles on their walls, abuse any residents who attempt to confront them. This continues until at least midnight."
Published Tuesday June 29, 2004
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