WAR has been declared on yobs in the Winter Gardens area on Canvey.

No-nonsense dispersal powers will come into effect from 4pm tomorrow after more than 60 antisocial offences were recorded in just two weeks.

The new powers will allow police to break up groups of yobs and escort home troublemakers, under the age of 16, if they are found out after 9pm.

The powers will cover Link Road, First Avenue, Church Parade, Somnes Avenue, Kingsdown Walk and Lakeside Path. Chief Insp Paul Eveleigh said: “It’s time the bad elements are put on the back foot and the law-abiding citizens afforded peace in their own homes. We will do everything we can to put a stop to the problems and improve the area.

“In two weeks from October 28, there were 48 incidents of antisocial behaviour, as well as 13 of criminal damage.”

He added the Dispersal Order will be supported by extra patrols, where officers will be briefed to take a “no nonsense” approach.

Councillor Neville Watson led a campaign which helped slash crime and improve the general appearance of Winter Gardens two years ago.

He said: “We’ve had youths throwing stones at buses and taxis, groups gathering outside houses and intimidating the neighbours, cars being vandalised and bins and a bench by Canvey Lake vandalised.

“It needs to be stopped.”