Fearful residents today claimed their neighbourhood was being turned into a meeting-point for vandals and drug dealers.

Families in Rayside, Basildon, have watched in anger as their local garage units have been systematically broken into, torched and used as gang hang-outs.

Burnt shells - residents Eric O'Brien and Syd Cross claim garages like this encourage further law breaking Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

They say that despite repeated calls to the council to clean up the area and board-up smashed garages, part of the street has now become a health hazard.

Rayside has also become a target of fly-tipping with general household rubbish being dumped amongst the burnt-out car frames and mattresses.

Eric O'Brien, 65, of Rayside, said: "This used to be quite a nice clean area but over the last 18 months the problems have got worse and worse.

"You only have to look at the place to see something should be done. I dread to think what's in some of these garages. I've also seen youths use them to deal what look like drugs."

Fellow resident Syd Cross, 66, said: "Bad attracts bad, that's a fact. While this place looks like this we're going to keep getting troublemakers."

Mr O'Brien and Mr Cross have collected a petition signed by more than 30 local residents who share their concerns. This has been presented to local councillors and Basildon Council.

Colin Payn, councillor for St Martin's, said: "I have written to the head of housing asking for a site inspection with myself and Mr O'Brien and Mr Cross. I am still waiting for a reply.

A spokesperson for the council said: "A site viewing has been undertaken, and we will now be looking at the best ways to solve the problem."

Published Friday, June 27, 2003

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