A leading Tory councillor has described problems with speeding, youth crime and motorcycle use on Canvey as "out of control."

Ray Howard, chairman of the highways and leisure committee and councillor for Canvey Island West ward, spoke at a community safety meeting last night.

The meeting heard statistics reporting that 87 per cent of Castle Point residents feel either very or quite safe in their area.

He said: "I would like to know who you got these figures off because as far as I am concerned circumstances on Canvey are getting out of control.

"I am getting letter after letter from people about speeding up and down their roads, about youth crime, about motorcycles being driven off-road and nothing is being done."

Mr Howard also expressed concern about the small police presence on the island and the lack of activities for young people.