Brentwood Council is planning to join the battle against nightmare neighbours ruining the lives of helpless Hutton residents by installing the latest high-tech CCTV equipment.

The lives of the council's tenants in Tendring Court and Tollesbury Court on Woodlands Avenue are being made a misery by the 'antisocial' behaviour of their neighbours from hell, with many feeling so intimidated that they will not report their tormentors for fear of recrimination.

But now the council's housing committee has decided to prepare a CCTV scheme for the area to secure vital evidence needed to take action.

Chris Wainman, the council's head of housing and welfare services, explained: "Hopefully the fact that the cameras are there will stop this sort of behaviour happening in the first place. But if not, we will get the evidence we need to take action, and will not be relying solely on people putting themselves at risk by coming forward."

Before the cameras are installed, council officers are planning to consult with local residents to hear their views.

The move has been welcomed by Hutton North councillor Jean McGinley: "The actions of this small group means the vast majority of residents have had to suffer from excess noise and even physical intimidation.

"We are not prepared to see the quality of life of our tenants affected by a small minority of people and I am pleased the council is taking firm action."

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