HALSTEAD residents are more worried about drugs and antisocial behaviour than anyone else in the district, according to a survey.

The results have led to Braintree Council’s leader saying: “The people of Halstead are not living in the most lawless town in the country”.

The Braintree Place Survey 2008 revealed more than a third of people questioned felt drug use and dealing is a very or fairly big problem.

Just over half said there was an issue with people being drunk or rowdy in public places.

Three quarters said there was a problem with antisocial behaviour.

Half of respondents said vandalism, graffiti and other deliberate damage to property or vehicles was a problem.

Braintree Council leader Graham Butland said he found the results incredible.

He said: “They are living in a very safe area.”

All English councils must carry out the surveys to find out what people are worried about and where to make improvements.

Of the 2,900 questionnaires sent out across Halstead, Braintree, Witham and their surrounding villages between September and December 2008, only 119 were sent back in Halstead.

Mayor David Hume said he did not wish to dismiss people’s concerns even though it represented a small sample out of a population of 11,000.

Mr Hume said: “I am sure there are some issues, but I think the findings probably reflect the low responses to the questionnaire.”

Michael Portway, of Halstead Chamber of Trade, said: “There is a very strong feeling, especially among pensioners, that apart from vandalism there is a perceived threat of hooliganism and people bothering them when they walk out at night.”

Sgt Bernie Tompsett, of Halstead police, said: “It does surprise me the Halstead residents feel that way, but it is a very small number of people.

“It’s certainly not the drugs capital of the world and never will be.”

Mr Tompsett said tackling perceptions of crime was difficult, but Halstead had one of the best policing teams in north Essex for crime detection and prevention.

He said: “It is a lovely little part of Essex. For a big dose of reality go down to Basildon or Harlow for the day and see how you feel coming back to Halstead afterwards.”