PRIME Minister Gordon Brown has been quizzed over why a school for youngsters with behavioural problems was allowed to open in a residential area.

The Continuum School, for 11 to 16-year-olds, opened in September last year in the former Leigh Beck doctors’ surgery in Vanderwalt Avenue, Canvey, despite concerns from residents and politicians.

Castle Point MP Bob Spink, who is leading a campaign to move it to a more suitable location away from residents’ homes, raised the issue in the Commons during Prime Minister’s Question Time.

The independent MP said: “Essex teenage tearaways are being sent to a sensitive residential area in Castle Point by Essex County Council without any consultation whatsoever.

“They are terrorising residents, elderly frail people and businesses with bad behaviour.”

The PM said no one should be expected to suffer from antisocial behaviour. He said: “That is why we have created neighbourhood policing units that have a responsibility for dealing with antisocial behaviour.

“I hope the honourable gentleman can be assured that we are taking the action that is necessary, but recognise that this is a problem for many people in the country.”

However Dr Spink was unhappy with the response, which he felt did not answer his question directly.

Education watchdog Ofsted published a damning report on staff problems with controlling the children, but it was mysteriously withdrawn after the school’s managing director insisted it was misleading.