Colchester's boy racer woes continue despite objections

Speedy driving and noisy engine revving has persisted to be a problem in Severalls Industrial Estate despite mass objection from residents and businesses alike.

The issue has calmed in recent weeks but Friday evenings continue to pose a problem with large turnouts of drivers.

Speed bumps were installed by Essex Highways in Smeaton Close to remedy the issue in July, but they ended up being used as ramps by the defiant motorists.

Targeted - nuisance drivers have persistently targeted Severalls Industrial Estate (Image: Newsquest)

One resident, who works in Smeaton Close and remains anonymous, suggested land is allocated for enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby without causing a nuisance to others.

“It would be naïve to expect them to just all admire their cars while stationary, they want to be able to show what they were built for which I get,” he said.

“The problem is they are doing it in an area which is not suitable.

“If maybe a land owner or a supermarket with enough land and not in a built-up area could rent them some land every now and then, it could help.

Anti-social - marks left in Smeaton Close (Image: Newsquest)

“There were two police cars parked outside Toolstation a few weeks ago and low and behold there were no problems at all.

"It just goes to show they know what they’re doing is an irritant.”

The latest concerns follow Colchester Council revealing its plans to clamp down on anti-social driving.

A consultation, which closed earlier this month, sought views on the implementation of a Public Space Protection Order to cover the whole Colchester borough for three years.

Frustrated - Colchester councillor Martin Goss (Image: Newsquest)

Mile End councillor Martin Goss said he hopes a PSPO will help to drive out those causing trouble.

“We previously had one in Turner Rise Retail Park to deal with people causing noise and havoc and it was really successful,” he said.

“Need evidence to do it which is why I encourage people to report everything so the police can take much more strategic action.

“The people behind this are mindless and arrogant, they haven no care for the public at all.”