A women's church choir was trapped inside the hall where they were practising while vandals banged on the door and threw objects at the building

The 12 were afraid to leave the property for fear of being assaulted and stayed there until the noise had died down

The attack on the Jaywick Methodist Church Hall left the women shocked and afraid.

They reported the incident to Tendring district and Essex county councillor Roy Smith, who represents the area.

"I was told that they thought it was gunfire at first and they were really scared, as anyone would be," he said.

"I believe it turned out to be people banging on the door and throwing things, but it is just the latest in a long line of incidents in Jaywick."

Mr Smith said he picked up more than 20 complaints of thefts, vandalism, assault and criminal damage while he was out canvassing for votes before the recent elections.

Now Mr Smith and his Community Representatives Party colleague Ken Sargeant want round the table talks to see what can be done about the situation.

Insp Richard Day, who has responsibilities for Jaywick and West Clacton, said officers would be happy to discuss any problems or concerns in the area.

Published Friday, May 23, 2003

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