A ban has been put on youngsters congregating around offices in Clacton town centre after the building has been vandalised and staff intimidated and assaulted.
Bosses at the Tendring Primary Care Trust (PCT) in Carnarvon Road are particularly concerned about the growing evidence of drug use.
Chief executive Paul Unsworth felt the Trust had no alternative but to implement the ban.
Carnarvon House has suffered from fires being started around the building and extensive damage.
Bottles, cans and balloons full of urine have been thrown through windows - one of which struck a member of staff.
Mr Unsworth said: "The drug connection is particularly worrying."
"Parents need to be aware their children are exposed to far greater dangers than just trespassing on our property," he said.
The problem first began with youngsters skateboarding on the steps and ramps at Carnarvon House.
The Trust has now banned the activity following other bans at nearby Clacton town hall and Clacton library.
However, Mr Unsworth emphasised it was not just the skateboarders which were causing the problems.
"We appreciate youths need a place to socialise and have tried to be reasonable but we have a duty of care towards our staff and we need to protect our working environment," he added.
Published Thursday, April 10, 2003
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