Frinton is a town living in fear, it has been claimed.

Fed-up town councillors say the once-tranquil resort is gripped by yob culture.

And they claim residents are being bullied by intimidating gangs of youths roaming the town centre.

In a desperate bid to clamp down on the problems, Frinton and Walton town councillors are calling for late-night stores selling alcohol to close early to stop youths congregating outside.

However, Tendring Council officers said it may be out of their hands.

Mike Page, spokesman for Tendring Council, said its environmental health officers only had powers to investigate complaints of noise pollution within premises.

However, he added that if Frinton and Walton Town Council contacted the district council, it would investigate.

Published Monday January 12, 2004

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