Parents will have to fight their corner if their children are to be allowed out of school at lunchtime.

The move, which means each parent must state their reasons for wanting their child to leave the premises, is part of a crackdown on increasing youth nuisance in Pitsea.

It follows complaints of youngsters causing mischief in the town centre.

The headteacher of Chalvedon School, in Wickford Avenue, Pitsea, devised the scheme with the help of Basildon Council and police.

He believes it will put a stop to children wandering the streets unnecessarily during the day.

Litter and behaviour are the two main issues which have made life a misery for those living and working around the town centre.

Under the new rules, parents will now have to meet with the school and state their reasons for wanting their child to be allowed out.

Representatives from the police and council will attend the meeting and explain the reasons against too many youngsters being on the streets at lunch time.

Those granted permission will have to carry photo identity cards which prove they are allowed to leave the grounds.

Ken Venables, of Basildon Council, said: "Our aim is to reduce the number of youngsters allowed out at lunchtimes.

"We have already seen a decrease from 357 to 252 in the early stages of our work but aim to have a real crack down in September at the start of the new year."

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