Classical music is to be piped out of speakers at Billericay rail station in an effort to deter young tearaways who intimdate passengers.

Police and train operators One hope the music will annoy groups of teenagers who have been gathering at the station.

The building has also become a regular target for vandalism with windows frequently smashed and litter and graffiti left in the area.

The new £3,500 stereo, speakers and music are being funded by Basildon Council, Essex Police, Billericay Town Council and One, and should begin playing in the coming months.

The speakers will be installed throughout the station in inaccessible or high areas to stop them being vandalised.

Insp Richard Croft, of Billericay police, said: "When I came to the town I had a lot of complaints about youths gathering outside the station.

"I also heard about places where piped music was being used as a deterrent to teenagers and how it was helping to calm rail users down.

"I have been trying to get it up an running here for a while and I'm really pleased that it has all been agreed now. I think it is a positive step and is also cost effective."