A would-be MP has come out in support of controversial free runners practising their sport at Pier Hill.
Rochford and Southend East Tory parliamentary candidate James Duddridge praised the extreme activity as good exercise that kept youngsters out of trouble.
He said: "Twenty-five per cent of young people are involved in crime. Teenage obesity is a major health issue.
"Under-age drinking is the norm and, despite the warnings, they smoke. Children experiment with drugs or sit in front of the television playing PlayStation 2.
"At least this lot are getting some exercise and having some honest fun. If they want to run about on the seafront, then let them."
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