The war on alcohol-related violence, graffiti and boy racers will continue, Southend's police chief promised at a public meeting.

Sixty people packed out Southend Council chamber to quiz Chief Supt Mick Thwaites and members of Essex Police Authority on trouble in their neighbourhoods.

Mr Thwaites revealed to the police and community consultative group that the first of the official cruiser nights will begin on Southend seafront on Saturday, November 13.

The monthly event, stewarded by the cruisers themselves, aims at driving away the minority of troublemakers who race each other and perform dangerous, screeching wheelspins.

Mr Thwaites said: "We have tried prosecutions - more than 1,000 in one year - and have got nowhere.

"The event will be videoed and controlled. We have to keep an open mind. We need a solution."