A public open space in Tiptree has been transformed into a liability by vandalism, a resident has claimed.

Stephen Cook, of Saffron Way, Tiptree, applied to Colchester Council to buy the space at the village's Coriander Road, in order to tidy it up.

But his application was turned down and he is now calling for a site meeting with council officials to discuss the site's future.

Mr Cook said when he bought his home, it looked on to an attractive open area in which the council had planted trees and shrubs.

"The significant amount of money originally spent is now totally wasted as this amenity has been vandalised. Many of the shrubs have been ripped out, trees broken or damaged by the removal of the bark.

"In addition to this damage, litter is now a problem including broken beer bottles left by under-age drinkers."

Mr Cook said he agreed open spaces were desirable but felt the small open space now only benefited a few vandals.

"It is fast becoming a significant liability to many local residents."

Jan Britton, Colchester Council's parks and recreation manager, said: "We are literally just in the process of writing to Mr Cook to tell him the open space has been surveyed and work that needs doing has been identified in particular the maintenance of trees, borders and shrubs.

"We aim to put the situation as right as we can and would also be pleased to meet him on the site.

"The problems there are due to vandalism which comes and goes - it is a problem this year but might not be next year."

Mr Britton added: "It is a tricky bit of open space and is not well located but there is an overall lack of open space in the Tiptree area and we are committed to maintaining and improving the little we have got."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.