The battle against vandals who have plagued a village for years is hotting up.

Letters are being sent out to households in a bid to end the trail of destruction in Rayne, near Braintree.

And Essex Chief Constable David Stevens has been asked to chair a police meeting to be held at the village hall next month.

Rayne parish councillors will be demanding to know how the police will act to stamp out the problem.

Parish council chairman Roger Jiggins said: "We have had problems for ages with mindless vandalism around the village hall.

"There is a small group of youths who seem to be causing the problems and I think they are starting to influence younger people as well."

He added: "We want residents to be vigilant and to notify the police as soon as they see something.

Mr Jiggins is urging as many residents as possible to attend the police meeting and to air their views.

The parish council is also hoping to adopt an anti-social behaviour section of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 which will make it a criminal offence. It is hoped the move will act as a strong deterrent to vandals.

The police consultative public meeting will take place at the village hall on Tuesday February 22 at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

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