Vandalism is an escalating problem in Castle Point which needs to be tackled urgently, according to concerned residents.

Only yesterday (Thursday), a security guard on the seafront spotted a man allegedly stealing paving slabs and loading them into the back of his car.

The man was arrested by police and released with a caution.

Canvey 2000, a voluntary group which aims to rejuvenate Canvey's seafront, has already suffered at the hands of hooligans who trashed benches, kicked kerbs out of place, ripped up plants and threw stones at the new toilet block.

At a meeting of the police and community consultative group yesterday, the public appealed to police to make vandalism a top priority.

Ray Howard, Canvey county councillor, said: "Vandalism is an escalating problem on the island. It is sad when I hear about the tremendous amount of voluntary work to enhance the seafront and then it is vandalised by a few individuals.

"I would ask the police to use whatever resources they can to stop it. Every Saturday morning, I get constituents complaining about youths leaving football games on the island and causing trouble."

He added: "The fence has been knocked down in the Dutch Cottage and the night before last, vandals damaged my house and the one next door.

"The most terrifying thing of all was last weekend when a gang of youths went around my yard, opened the stable doors and let all the horses out. I went out to try and get the situation under control but when it is one against 20, you are limited."

Supt Paul Stanley from Rayleigh police said vandalism will be tackled under the new crime and disorder strategy.

He said: "We have to deal with it in conjunction with a number of other agencies. Around 90 per cent of youths are fine. There are very few who are out and out criminals, but it is those few who cause the problems.

"Rather than deal with the problem temporarily, we will really get down to it by getting the youth services, and people like that, involved. I cannot guarantee it will work but we will give it a go, which is more than is happening at the moment."

Repair - Lee Stock, Stacey Lockwood and Anthony Agombar from the Images Youth Centre in Long Road have spent time repairing the damage caused by hooligans on Canvey's seafront.

Picture: NICK ANSELL

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