CALLS have been made for more youth clubs in Basildon to stem the problem of antisocial behaviour.

Residents have complained about groups of teenagers hanging around the row of shops in Whitmore Way, Basildon, after dark.

Shoppers claim they feel intimidated, while others have had abuse shouted at them or even been spat on.

David Sheppard, Ukip councillor for Fryerns ward, believes more needs to be done to get youngsters off the streets.

He said: "We're going to get problems like this with teenagers if we keep closing youth centres or places like Action Park. They're going to hang around shops, because where else are they meant to go? They're bored.”

Action Park, a popular outdoor activity park off the A127, near Wickford, was ordered to shut earlier this year following a lengthy planning battle with Basildon Council.

Residents have called for improved CCTV cameras around the shopping parade, at the Church Road junction- but business owners claim a good system is already in place.

Tony Rakkar, from the Big Q fish and chip shop, said: "The teenagers are always there and sometimes we see drunk people hanging around, but we've not been made aware of specific problems."

Allan Davies, Labour councillor for Fryerns, has urged residents to report incidents of antisocial behaviour to the police or Basildon Council.

He said: "I've been in situations before myself where I've had stuff shouted at me by teenagers hanging around outside the shops. Something needs to be done.

"Carrying on with your business and not reponding to these people is probably the best to way to deal with it.

“I'm appalled that this is happening, but if people report it then it will be dealt with seriously."