Southend could host an official monthly cruise night to deter dangerous boy racers from the seafront.

A crunch meeting was being held between cruisers, police, councillors and residents to finalise plans for a stewarded event in November.

Chief Supt Mick Thwaites, Southend's police commander, said: "It has been a problem for years and years.

"At the moment this happens every Saturday night. We've spoken to the legitimate cruisers that spend a lot of money on their cars and we are planning one official event a month.

"This will be a partnership between police and cruisers. It is controversial - but it will be organised and safe with stewards linked together by radio.

Brian Kelly, Southend's executive councillor for transport, said: "It is a very exciting idea."