ELDERLY shoppers are avoiding an Essex high street due to fears of being knocked over by children on electric scooters and phone-snatching criminals, worried local residents have claimed reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Serious concerns have been raised about pensioners being “targeted” by antisocial behaviour in Canvey Island Town Centre, as plans are being drawn up by the council and Essex Police to put a ban on those responsible.
Furious residents have been flooding social media with complaints about “feral kids” who are a “constant nuisance” on the Essex island. This includes Canvey resident Joan Liddiard, 74, who says she almost never goes to the town centre anymore for fear of being the target of antisocial behaviour.
“Until they name and shame these people, it’s just going to carry on,” Mrs Liddiard told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, “Older people, like me, are unsteady on their feet and worry about going to the town and being knocked flying by youngsters on e-scooters and electric bikes on the footpaths.
“They don’t stop when they hit you either; it’s the same with those who are nicking your phones or handbags. They can do a lot more damage than they are aware of.”
In an effort to tackle the problem, Castle Point Borough Council and Essex Police are working on a ban on antisocial behaviour in the town centre.
Councillors were told that Essex Police had approached the council about the order, but the force says antisocial behaviour is down more than 70 per cent across the Castle Point district over the last five years.
Councillor Rob Savage, who’s responsible for people and community, told a Castle Point Council meeting on March 25 that a new ban could be in place ahead of the summer holidays.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We know the impact antisocial behaviour can have on the day-to-day lives of our neighbourhoods and we will always work with our partners to tackle these issues. We will always look to utilise the tools available to us and our partners to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
