A campaign has been launched to try to stop teenagers drinking and having sex in a children's playground.

A parish councillor said the antics of drunken teenagers are making life a misery for residents.

Joyce Bunney said the situation was aggravated by the 7ft fence around the play area in Thyme Road, Tiptree.

She said: "The fence should be brought down. The area is becoming a haven for undesirable activity after dark. There are beer bottles everywhere and youngsters having under-age sex."

The play area is owned by Colchester Borough Council and was set up in consultation with the Tiptree District Tenants Association. The council paid for the fence.

PC Sue Richardson, Tiptree beat officer, confirmed there have been reports of youngsters drinking and engaging in loud sex. She said: "It would help things to lower the fence as it is very secluded.

"We have turfed people out from there and searched them. The trouble is they just move on to another area because there is nothing much for them to do here."

Problem area - Constables Michelle Mauger and Steve Simmans with residents Harry Grantham, Ursula Wright and Joyce Bunney.

Picture: STEVE BRADING

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