ANTI-SOCIAL teenagers have been congregating at a pumping station in a popular park, creating noise, taking drugs and drinking alcohol.

Trouble at the pumping station - based in Arthur Stevens field, Benfleet - has disrupted park-users and residents living by the site, Essex Police say.

Ian Risden, acting police sergeant for Castle Point and Rochford Community policing team, says the park has also seen trouble with off-road motorcycles and scrambler bikes.

Appleton ward councillor, Tom Skipp, fears the problem could also impact dog-walkers.

Mr Skipp, said: “It is a concern to hear people are behaving like this. There’s obviously a potential for noise, but you also have to think about the mess they leave behind which then has to be cleared up.

“It’s very popular with dog walkers too, and isn’t very nice for them to see walking past.”

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PC Risden added: “This is such a well-used park, so it will have an impact on people. If groups of youths are hanging around, users may decide to take a wide-berth route if they feel uneasy about walking past them.

“I’m not saying they’re all troublemakers, but it’s clear from reports we’ve had there are people congregating, using drugs and drinking, as well as inappropriate use of off-road motorcycles in the area.

“This is just two metres away from people’s homes, and some are using inappropriate language.”

Officers are now encouraging the public to use the free what3words app, which can help tell them the exact location where anti-social behaviour or crime is occurring.

It was by using what3words that PC Risden managed to track down the location of the pumping station in the first place.

Mr Risden, said: “We were looking for the exact location they were congregating, we knew it was the field but just not exactly where.

“But the app also means we can locate people who might need assistance, say if they are stuck out on the mud flats at Canvey. I cant stress how important it is for emergency services, you never know when you’ll need it.”

A spokesman from Essex Police, added: “This what3words reference will be added to the patrol plan.”