THURROCK Council is extending its public space protection order (PSPO) against car cruisers in West Thurrock.

The PSPO was originally put in place in 2015 and since then has been extended twice, which has given the council and Essex Police the powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour and disruption to residents' lives - particularly by power showing off and sometimes racing their powerful or custom-built cars.

Council leader and cabinet member for public protection and anti-social behaviour, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "These cruising events are a nuisance to residents in the area and that is simply unacceptable.

"Since the introduction of the order we have seen a radical decline in the presence of anti-social behaviour of this sort in West Thurrock, which our residents have greatly appreciated.

"The extension of this order will ensure that we have the power to continue to tackle reckless car cruisers so our residents can continue to feel safe in their local area, as every resident should.

"Thurrock Council continues to work alongside Essex Police to stamp out all types of anti-social behaviour and we hope that this continued partnership will deliver security to all residents."

In September 2015 a cruise event in Tilbury sparked local concern after an accident and that eventually led to the imposition of the public space protection order.