FED-UP residents living in a antisocial behaviour hotspot have hit out after learning a hostel housing ex-offenders is in their street.

It has emerged an unmarked address in Second Avenue, Canvey, is owned by a charity specialising in rehousing ex-cons.

The street has been plagued in the past by youths starting fires or burgling houses. Last month, an 18-year-old man suffered head injuries following a brutal assault.

It has now been revealed a hostel resident had to be removed after threatening to assault mum-of-four Julie Callow, when she confronted him about late-night noise.

Mrs Callow, 40, who lives next door to the property, said: “It’s like living next to a youth club. They’re playing music all hours of the night and day. I’d just had enough.

“I went to have a word with the guy who was playing the music, and he threatened to attack me.

“I was scared witless, but I’m not going to let these people ruin my home.”

Charity Nacro, which owns the hostel, has confirmed an 18-year-old resident has been evicted following the incident.

It said the hostel housed homeless youths aged between 18 and 26, but admits some of them are ex-offenders.

It houses up to three people at a time, and was set up 15 years ago in conjunction with Castle Point Council, although people living nearby claim they only became aware of it in the past two years.

Ward councillor Dave Blackwell wants to know why residents were not informed.

He said: “It’s a disgrace they haven’t been told about this. Haven’t they put up with enough?”

Nacro said it did not mark its properties to avoid stigmatising the people inside.

Rachel Whitehead, a spokeswoman for the charity added: “Our staff are always on hand to listen to neighbours’ concerns and always move quickly to resolve any issues if they arise.

“The resident in question was evicted swiftly after attempts to address his behaviour were unsuccessful.”

The police, Castle Point Council and residents have formed a joint action committee to reduce problems on Second Avenue.

Chief Insp Keith Davies, of Castle Point police, said the amount of trouble had decreased in recent weeks, and added the hostel would not affect efforts to improve the area.

He said: “The residents of the hostel are under strict conditions, and if they break them, they are removed.

“Second Avenue is on the way up and anyone who undermines that is not welcome.”