As a former Manningtree resident who still frequents the area, I have noticed the “dispersal order” signs that have sprung up.

I cannot blame the police or council for this. Gangs of youths, especially when drunk, can be very intimidating towards older people, including, shamefully, the elderly and disabled.

The problem is, what are young people in small rural communities to do?

Anyone who has tried volunteering their own time and money to organise a project involving sports, the arts or other hobbies, will have found themselves battling small-minded officialdom, nimbyism and media disinterest.

A R Wainwright
Upper Fenn Road
Halstead