POLICE failed to attend a public meeting in Tilbury this evening, despite giving a written assurance that local neighbourhood officers would attend to listen to residents' concern about growing criminality and anti-social behaviour in the town.

Tilbury Community Forum chair Craig Austin spoke of his disappointment that police had not honoured their pledge and he said it is time Essex Police - in association with Thurrock Council - took a stronger approach.

Mr Austin outlined several recent incidents including a hammer-wielding raider striking at a town hairdressing salon, a local shopkeeper being assaulted while walking to the town's rail station and also a large gang fight at the ASDA store site, outside McDonalds, which he witnessed.

He said: "I've never seen anything like it in Tilbury, it was like a running battle between youngsters and police.

"It's not just the kids, it's the mentality of some people in this town.

"It's not just kids, we have adults on quad bikes riding through the town, intimidating the police.

"It's progressively getting worse."

Mr Austin said members of the forum had been investigating how issues are dealt with in other areas.

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"We've done some research into what other towns in the country do. I was advised officers would be here tonight and we were expecting them but they haven't come and they haven't said they are not coming. That's disappointing."

He read out a message from the police ahead of the meeting which said: "Please be assured we are aware of the issues in Tilbury and it is clear there has been an escalation in the area, particularly involving local youths. 

"We are currently working with Thurrock Council and planning a series of days of action. We will ensure two officers attend you meeting to reassure residents."

A lengthy debate on police and preventative measures took place.

Mr Austin outlined measures taken by local authorities and police forces in other areas to combat criminal and anti-social behaviour in towns.

He particularly outlined housing contracts for council tenants that included a number of punitive measures including eviction for households where problem people, carrying out activities that could have a negative effect on their neighbours' lives.

They included eviction for families where parents did not control unruly children involved in repeated anti-social behaviour.