A public meeting to tackle the issue of yob rule in Ongar has been called after frightened residents of Longfields and Cloverly Road spoke out at last Thursday night's parish council meeting.

The Love Lane parish chamber was filled to capacity as worried neighbours told how they live in terror of gangs of youths gathering on street corners and loitering in alleyways.

One Longfields resident who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals said police called to investigate complaints of anti-social behaviour had found evidence of an increasing use of drugs.

And he was adamant that not enough is being done to ensure residents feel safe in their homes, adding: "Ongar is not, as people say, a lovely place to live. We have residents who are too frightened to complain because of the level of reprisals and intimidation presently taking place."

Other anti-social behaviour highlighted during the man's five-minute address included youths seen urinating in public and eggs being thrown at residents' houses and cars.

One Cloverly Road householder was said to have had rotten fruit smeared across their windows, while others have complained of used condoms and sanitary towels being thrown into their gardens.

Cllr Derek Jacobs, who has been working with the Longfields residents, said he felt parents should be made to take responsibility for their offspring.

Following a discussion, it was decided that a public meeting should be held in the Budworth Hall at 8pm on Wednesday, November 27.

Those who will be invited to attend include the assistant chief constable, Ian Learmonth, and Ongar MP Eric Pickles.

Further details are available from Ongar Parish Council on 01277 365348.

Published Thursday November 7, 2002

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