Angry residents have demanded more facilities for children who have been over-running their estate.

Monday night's meeting on Clacton's Cann Hall estate heard a disused field and a youth club could be among the possible solutions.

About 50 people crowded into Cann Hall Primary School for a public meeting about the problem.

Some told how youths had vandalised their property and caused noise and nuisance as there was nothing for them to do.

One resident, Harry Webb, told council officers: "It's high time something was done to entertain these lads, I am not blaming them, I'm blaming you, the council."

Many residents were concerned that the Cann Hall building itself had been earmarked for more housing - which they fear would lead to even more problems.

It was suggested that Tendring Council should compulsorily purchase the listed building.

However, district councillor Derek Harper said the authority would then have to pay a six-figure sum to its owners Norwich Union, as it had an expectation for homes there.

Mr Harper, who was at the meeting with fellow councillor Harry Shearing, added: "We don't want more houses on Cann Hall but that land has been designated for housing."

The meeting also heard there was no phone box in the area, a proposed surgery plan had fallen through, new homes were already being built in Crome Road and that there was little police presence in the neighbourhood.

Richard Boddington, of the Essex Association of Boys' Clubs, said he wanted to find out if anyone was interested in starting a club on Cann Hall and if so then his group could help support them.

Others wanted to see a disused piece of land at the back of Colbayns High School utilised - if a road crossing was provided.

Mr Harper said officers would go away and look at the ideas and hold another meeting in several months.

However, he said he could not stop a developer putting in an application for more homes in the meantime.

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