Local cruisers have blasted claims that they are a menace to society and urged residents to get off their backs.

Rachael McLean, 21, of Southend Road, Rochford, is part of a group of around 50 youngsters who cruise the area at night.

Angry - Rachael McLean. Picture: JAMES HOWELL

However, she said the group was nothing more than a law-abiding youth club and the people responsible for screeching tyres and booming stereos were cruisers from out-of-town.

Publicity has turned Southend into something of a Mecca for cruisers and moves by the police to block off the seafront on Saturday nights have led to complaints from residents in other areas.

She said: "When we go to the park at Rochford we buy food from McDonald's then park up and talk - it is like an outdoor youth club really.

"We take a lot of pride in our cars, and most of us spend what little money we have making sure they look good, but we don't go screeching about blasting music out.

"The people who cause problems on the seafront are the ones that come down from London, yet we all get tarred with the same brush and its not fair."

Published Monday, March 11, 2002