The association that runs a troubled Southend housing estate have pledged to eradicate antisocial behaviour in the area.

Estuary Housing Association operates the Woodgrange Drive estate - better known to many people in the town as the Kursaal estate - and chief executive Barry Cox made his comments following Prime Minister Tony Blair's new moves on the problem of antisocial behaviour.

The estate has been the scene of two killings in the past two years and has had a reputation for violence and problems since it was first built on the site of the old Kursaal amusement park in the 1970s.

Mr Cox said the association took a serious approach towards antisocial behaviour, as it had a negative effect on neighbourhoods. Mr Cox added: "We take full advantage of the measures open to registered social landlords.

"Depending on the circumstances, this may mean applying for injunctions or Antisocial Behaviour Orders, changing the type of tenancy and, as a final resort, applying for a possession order to evict the tenant."

Published Tuesday July 20, 2004

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