FAMILIES say not enough is being done to tackle drug use and antisocial behaviour outside their homes.

Residents at the flats, in Nursery Place, Southchurch Road, Southend, have endured months of problems they say are drug-related.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We suffered last year when a flat was taken over by drug dealers.

“Police raided it twice about five months ago and a metal door was put on due to concerns, but now that has gone and the same people are back selling drugs. We are not being protected and now have to suffer all the dangers of living among drug dealers and takers.

“These flats are for the elderly - there are people of 90-years-old living here.”

In February, the Echo told how a 76-year-old man had complained about similar issues.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We continue to carry out work to tackle issues involving crime, anti-social behaviour and drug-dealing.

“This includes patrols, intelligence gathering and targeting offenders, while working with partners to support vulnerable people. Recently, we spoke to residents and businesses about any issues they were concerned about so that we could build a picture and take action.”

Residents can call police on 101 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

South Essex Homes, who manage Nursery Place, said: “Following a door knocking exercise at Nursery Place earlier in the year, all residents were given details of who to contact should they wish to report anti-social behaviour to us.

“We were aware that a specific address was the source of some ongoing problems and for a short period of time, while the tenant of that property was away, we took steps to make the entrance secure.

“We have been working with the tenant to prevent future incidents of ASB and have recently agreed an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, the details of which have been shared with affected neighbours.

“We will keep lines of communication open with residents of the area and continue to encourage them to report any issues that arise.”