ATTENDING a car meet at West Thurrock has landed a man in court.

Police have recently been cracking down on problems caused by people 'cruising cars' or meeting up for gatherings of converted or 'souped-up' vehicles in the area around lakeside and have issued a number or orders prohibiting gatherings of drivers and spectators.

Following such a gathering earlier this month police now say a man has been charged. Essex Police has issued a statement saying: "A man has been charged with offences after we responded to reports of a car meet in West Thurrock.

"James Simmons, 25, of Limes Avenue, Chigwell, has been charged with obstructing a constable in the execution of duty and failing to comply with a public spaces protection order.

"He is due in Southend Magistrates' Court on Monday, 4 January.

"It follows reports of a car meet at an industrial estate off Western Avenue at around 8.15pm on Tuesday, 8 September - an area that falls within a public spaces protection order.

"This order looks to tackle car cruising, dangerous driving and any associated anti-social behaviour in and around the Lakeside area."