Residents are campaigning to close a playground, claiming gangs of youths who gather are subjecting them to a reign of terror.

A Rochford District Council sub-committee will meet on Monday to discuss what to do with the playground in Sutton Court Drive, Rochford.

Laura Fitzpatrick, 29, who lives opposite, said residents had sent a petition to the council demanding action.

She said: "We want the playground closed. I've had my windows smashed and I know the same thing has happened to a lot of other people. At least one person has been driven to a nervous breakdown."

Dozens of residents held talks with the district council before Christmas.

Dave Timson, the council's property maintenance and highways manager, said councillors sitting on the committee would consider three long-term options.

They could close the park every evening,remove a "teen shelter" which was installed within the playground site to encourage youths to gather there, or move the entire complex to another site.

Councillor Maureen Vince said: "I can assure residents their concerns are being taken very seriously and we will do everything we can to find a solution."