ANXIOUS business owners are stepping up calls for an alcohol-free zone in Old Leigh to tackle the “weekend war zone” after a crime and antisocial behaviour surge.

The latest call comes after another dispersal order was placed in the Old Town on Saturday night after heavy drinkers refused to leave the area.

Southend Council has now confirmed it will hold a public consultation on introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order - which can ban people from specific locations - after the elections.

But furious residents branded the area a “weekend warzone” and have called for measures to be put in place now.

Echo: Leigh was swarmed with people Leigh was swarmed with people

They’re insisting a PSPO is the only way to stop the trouble, as they say increased community safety officers and CCTV is not enough to tackle it.

Sara Welton, 63, owner of Sara’s Tea Gardens, say her customers have been left worried about the “mayhem”.

She said: “We’re lucky we are still busy but that doesn’t detract from the fact there’s so much trouble.

“We have spent a lot of money on our businesses, struggled during lockdown and opened up to this absolute mayhem.

“A couple who are getting married were going to have their reception in the gardens but now they’re considering getting it to takeaway because they’re worried about the behaviour.

“I don’t blame them at all.”

Sara is now supporting the call for an alcohol-free zone in the Old Town after people urinated against the wall of her tea garden.

She added: “After I closed up I was watering the garden and there were three girls and four guys weeing down the alley next to me. I can’t see any other solution.”

Leigh resident Ron Sverdloff received more than 1,000 signatures on his petition for an alcohol-free zone back in October.

Ron said: “It’s so obvious it’s the only way forward to stop tonnes of alcohol being brought in by people. I think it’s crazy to think it will stop any other way.”

Resident Doug Kaye, 70, now avoids going to Leigh on the weekend unless it’s for an early morning stroll.

Doug said: “It’s not the nice, happy, relaxing place you see on a weekday.

“You don’t see many locals out on the weekend. It’s just a different vibe.”

Carl Robinson, director of public protection at the council, said: “Along with the measures that the council has recently introduced to Old Leigh, we are happy to discuss any ideas and suggestions that residents and local businesses have which might help alleviate some of the issues.

“A public consultation will be launched to gauge opinion on introducing a public space protection order to Old Leigh following the upcoming local elections.”