RESIDENTS who called for the closure of an alley to prevent anti-social behaviour have been told the situation in their neighbourhood is being monitored.

At September's meeting of Thurrock Council Cllr John Allen presented a petition from residents in the Central avenue area of Tilbury asking for an alleyway to be closed.

They say it is a focal point for trouble in the neighbourhood and is frequently used as a toilet, the taking of drugs and is a throughfare for motorbike riders.

The have called for the alleyway to be permanently closed.

In a report back to the council next week in response to the petition the council says: "A Thurrock Anti-Social Behaviour Officer has been working in partnership with the members of the Community Safety Partnership, in this location.

"As part of a target hardening project, an A frame was installed in the alleyway which leads from Hobart Road to North View to prevent nuisance from motorbikes.

"In June 2020, the council received complaints from two residents relating to the location and one of the residents supplied video footage of the behaviour. The footage showed groups of young people riding motor bikes dangerously and inappropriately.

"This issue was raised the case at our Local Area Group, to ensure a multi-Agency response to the problem.

"As a result Inspector Paul Ballard from Essex Police requested the footage is sent alongside all the intelligence from residents' complaints. As a result of information from the local community, the police carried out a raid on a council tenant and recovered a motor bike, which was confiscated.

"Our Anti-Social Behaviour Officer is following-up the police action with the most appropriate and proportionate action for breach of tenancy terms and conditions. The actions being taken will be ongoing as the members of the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership will continue to monitor the situation."