A BEAUTY spot in a mid Essex village is 'being taken over by intimidating yobs' local residents claim.

Tollesbury Recreation Ground "has become a hotspot" for antisocial behaviour, including youngsters boozing and taking drugs, according to residents.

Local people say that at night the youngsters using the field and children's play area.

The residents who say they "are very angry", are demanding action. Andrew Barley, 58, said: "It's just not on and we shouldn't have to put up with this. These idiotic yobs are ruining the area and it must be stopped.

"I've seen the groups in the evenings and at night, while walking my dog. It makes me so angry."

Maria Brooke, 41, called it "completely unacceptable."

She added: "Everyone's up in arms about it. I don't know what the answer is but I hope it stops very soon. This is such a lovely village and the recreation ground is lovely for families and groups to exercise, play sports and enjoy the recent good weather. I think it's very shocking for a place like this."

The recreation ground, which is owned by Tollesbury Parish Council, also has a war memorial. It marks the location of a crater from a bomb that was dropped in 1915, according to the parish council.

Catherine Foster, 59, said fears the "big" issue could "prevent people using" the park. She also demanded "strong work" on the matter.

Ms Foster added: "It can be a bit frightening at times to see the gangs gathering there. It makes me quite sad as it's such a beautiful place to live and we don't want this sort of thing happening here."

Essex Police said "it's really important" for residents to report issues and crimes.

A spokesman added: "We won't tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities and we know the impact it causes. We'd encourage people to keep reporting issues to us so we can continue to focus on what matters most locally."

Sarah Hawes, chairman of Tollesbury Parish Council, said: "There have not been any recent reports of issues at the recreation ground."

She added: "Like all parishes, we do encounter problems from time to time.

"However, we subscribe to the policy that 'it takes a village to raise a child'. Therefore, we seek to assist, wherever possible, to support our families in bringing up their youngsters, so they stay on the right side of the law and stay safe whilst growing up."

She said there "is a strong sense of community" in the village.