POLICE officers and council officials have established a taskforce determined to end the reign of antisocial drivers in a car park once and for all.

Residents say they have had months of broken sleep due to illegal racing, engine revving and amplified music from vehicles in St Mary’s car park, Colchester.

Police officers have ramped up patrols at the site off Balkerne Hill in response to concerns but have been evaded so far.

A meeting has now been held in the car park where Colchester police and Colchester Council officials discussed how the problem could be ended.

Gazette: Presence - a police car in St Mary's car parkPresence - a police car in St Mary's car park (Image: Essex Police Colchester)

CCTV footage is being analysed by specialists and a review into whether cameras can be moved to cover wider areas of the car park is expected.

The concept of installing a barrier which only lets vehicles out of the car park, and not in, after a certain time of night was floated.

The taskforce, which was established during the meeting, has also vowed to install noise sensors for a week to track sound levels coming from cars.

Castle ward councillor Steph Nissen, who was at the discussion, said: “It was constructive, productive and positive but work still needs to be done.

Gazette: On the lookout - police attend St Mary's in response to concerns raised by residentsOn the lookout - police attend St Mary's in response to concerns raised by residents (Image: Essex Police Colchester)

“Very few of the cameras cover the parking area; a lot of it focuses on footwells where the drug dealing takes place.

“Antisocial behaviour in this car park has been going on for years, it is a long standing problem.

“I am pleased there has been a conversation but I am still mindful of residents who have had months of broken sleep, with some being threatened by those involved.

“It is good to hear words but I want action. This needs a solution both immediately and longer term.”

Gazette: Trouble spot – St Mary's car park has become one of the worst locations in Colchester for anti-social behaviour, residents sayTrouble spot – St Mary's car park has become one of the worst locations in Colchester for anti-social behaviour, residents say (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Determined - Castle ward councillor Steph NissenDetermined - Castle ward councillor Steph Nissen (Image: Newsquest)

Emma Dell, secretary of St Mary’s Residents Association, has previously blamed the removal of the car park barrier in 2016 for an escalation of incidents.

The decision meant people no longer have to pay to use the facility all night.

“Some residents have got very upset about it all because they actually feel intimidated,” she added.