Worried residents in North Weald are banding together to prevent vandals and foul-mouthed youths congregating near their homes.

And the householders are calling for a stronger police presence to stop what they say is drug dealing and abuse on common land near Bassett Gardens.

A meeting of up to 40 people met to form a residents' association to resist a parish council scheme which could involve a five-a-side football pitch, netball court and skating area.

The council is seeking views on using land at Weald Common given to the village by developers the Peer Group which is building homes nearby.

Association vice-chairman Ian Gookey said: "This is the straw that breaks the camel's back. We've already got a problem with young people from the village and outside and this will only exacerbate it.

"Village hall windows have been broken and the hall has been broken into; off-road vehicles and motorbikes have been ridden across the green and we've had up to 30 youths so foul-mouthed that we've had to take our children inside. There is also evidence of drugs and dealing there."

Father-of-two Mr Gookey, an engineer, added: "I've lived here for nine years and the place has definitely gone down since then. We are determined to do something about it."

Parish chairman Peter Collins said: "It's true we are looking at providing recreational facilities there but I must emphasise that no decision has been made although a decision to investigate it has.

"It's an ideal area for such a facility and we're looking to provide something not just for the toddlers but for older youth as well. There are also plans for additional car parking.

"But before anything happens there will be public consultation through the parish newsletter Cameo which is being distributed now."

A police spokesman said: "In the last four weeks we've had five calls from the public about problems with youngsters. There is a problem but it must be kept in proportion.

"We sympathise with the residents and we do try to patrol the area to keep down the nuisance."

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