ANGRY residents say vandalism and litter louts at a train station are spoiling their village.

Southminster commuters have taken to social media over the past week after the village’s station was left badly damaged.

Residents claim groups of children vandalised the site several times by smashing ticket machines and litter had been left strewn on the tracks.

A Hillside Road resident, who wants to remain anonymous, said: “The railway track in Southminster is full of rubbish, mainly plastic bottles, drink cans and sweet wrappers.

“It is spread right along the track the whole length of the platform, as well as in the shrubbery at the end of the track – it’s a disgrace.

“There is a litter bin on the platform, but it appears many people don’t bother to use it.

“I don’t know who is responsible, but I’ve heard there is often trouble around the station area in the late afternoon and evening time.

“It’s an ugly site and a sad reminder of how little some people care about the environment.”

Commuters have reported repeated vandalism to the rail authorities.

The Hillside Road resident added: “There has been a lot of vandalism. Someone has posted some photos of the smashed-up information boards.

“Apparently there’s CCTV, but I don’t think anyone has been caught yet.

“It is spoiling our village.”

Another commuter commented on Facebook: “I can’t believe these kids keep getting away with all this when they must be on CCTV over and over.

“Those screen repairs will have cost thousands considering how many times it’s been done.

“A touch screen like that is most likely a grand, that’s before you pay for the repair to be done.

“But the police are not interested.

“If you have no punishments, then their behaviour will just escalate. And that won’t end up good for them or everyone else.”

Southminster Parish Council clerk Joanna Jeffery said: “Following reports on social media, I reported the issues to British Transport Police and the community protection team.”

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “We recently carried out some improvements at Southminster station including the installation of new a departure screen.

“Unfortunately, multiple acts of vandalism have caused significant damage to the ticket machine and departure screen at the station.

“The damage was reported to the British Transport Police who are carrying out investigations.

“We work closely with our partners to ensure that all of our stations are as safe and secure as possible.

“The repairs to the ticket machine have been completed but the departure screens require a new reinforced casing to ensure that this doesn’t happen again, this casing needs to be custom made so is taking some time.”

Witnesses should text British Transport Police on 61016.