Residents on a council estate have demanded police action after claiming they are fed up with "living in fear" of yobs for the last two years.

The people of Buckerills in Pitsea have also agreed to help police catch the youngsters - as long as their information results in action being taken.

Their frustration and anger was highlighted in a letter with dozens of signatures from disgruntled residents on the estate, which was sent to Insp Graham Gurnett at Pitsea police.

It came after the Evening Echo featured an article on the problems of youths dangerously riding motorbikes around the area, and the problems the police had in catching them without the help of the public.

Although the letter slammed the failure of Pitsea police to resolve the problems Mr Gurnett said: "It is very unfortunate if we have insulted them.

"We are doing as much as we can and I am pleased that people are willing to talk to us."

The residents said a group of youths were often hanging around the streets and were responsible for broken windows and cars being damaged, as well as the various motorcycle disturbances.

There has been an officer appointed who plans to meet with residents in an attempt to make a start at resolving the problems.

Fed up - residents from Buckerills have petitioned police to take action on problem vandals terrorising the estate

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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