YOBBISH behaviour has got so bad in a Stanway estate residents are selling up, it is claimed.

Booze-fuelled groups of teenagers have been terrorising residents in Woden Avenue.

They have been accused of starting fires, defecating in a play area and spitting and swearing at residents - who have confronted the youths amid claims of a lack of police presence.

A man aged 47 who lives in Woden Avenue but did not want to be named said: “It’s getting worse. More of them are coming down more often and staying later.

“I woke up at 5am and they were sat at the park drinking alcohol. They even sleep there.

“It’s a low priority for the police so we are left to deal with it ourselves.”

A mum whose is up for sale said she was scared her property would not sell because of the problems.

She said: “No one wants to move to a nightmare area.”

Stanway Parish Council had called for police to step up patrols and wants a meeting with the Stanway School.

Laura Sykes, councillor, said: “I have been spat at, sworn at and had a brick thrown at me.

“They’ve also been going up to the Bellhouse landfill site and blowing up gas canisters.

“There are a couple of people who have put their houses up for sale in Woden Avenue because they have been targeted.

“We will be meeting headteacher Jonathan Tippett to discuss this further. A minority of youngsters are spoiling it for the rest.”

Colin Sykes, fellow councillor, said: “If the police were doing their job we wouldn’t be having a problem.”

Kevin Bentley, Colchester and county councillor, said he would be working with police, residents and councillors to fix the problem.

He said: "I'm shocked and horrified. No one should be subjected to that kind of treatment."

Jonathan Tippett, headteacher at the Stanway School, said the school was not aware of any of their students causing problems.

He said: “We are shocked.

“I am more than happy to meet with the parish council.

“I would ask if anyone does see anything happening in school time to contact us immediately.”