The streets of Vange will be a haven of peace this summer holiday as youngsters channel their energies into something positive.

Residents in the district's identified hotspots, Vange and Felmores, have been dreading the lengthy school holiday which often sees bored youngsters creating havoc.

As part of an on-going crackdown on youth nuisance in the areas, police are planning to pack up groups of teens and help them use their six weeks wisely.

Alan Ackrell, of the Essex Boys Club, has volunteered his services and will be joining teams of Pitsea police officers on daily trips during the break.

Two groups of ten youngsters, one from Vange, the other from Felmores, will be bussed to Stubbers outdoor activity centre, in Upminster, each day throughout the holiday.

The centre offers activities such as windsurfing, quad racing, wall climbing and canoeing and is thought to be the ideal place to take the bored youngsters.

A team of officers dedicated to the hotspot areas, led by PCs Matt Bradford and Colin Ellis, are now taking to the streets to track down ideal candidates for the trips.

Insp Glenn Caton, of Pitsea police, believes much of the youth nuisance in the area is down to youngsters channelling their energies into the wrong activities.

He said: "This will take the children off the streets of Pitsea and give them something positive to be involved in. The initiative will also provide the youth with a point of contact within the police and the opportunity to get to know their officers. We will look to build on that development at the end of the summer."

The police are appealing for help with transporting the youngsters to Upminster each day throughout the holiday.

If you can help, contact Pitsea police station on 01268 584212.

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