HOMEOWNERS say they are “looking to get out of the ghetto” after a car fire sparked concerns over issues of anti-social behaviour in New Town.

Firefighters from the Essex Fire Service were called to Winnock Road, in Colchester, during the early hours of Sunday morning following reports of a blaze.

Upon arrival they found a burning vehicle which was completely engulfed in flames.

The fire was eventually extinguished before crews cordoned off the car, which was destroyed.

A spokeman for the Essex County Fire Service added: "We were called at 2.39am on August 7 to a car fire in Winnock Road, Colchester.

"A crew from Colchester attended and used one hosereel, two breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera.

"The fire was extinguished by 2.55am. The whole vehicle was damaged. The cause of the fire could be either accidental or deliberate."

Echo:

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, says he has lived in the New Town area of the city for 36 years, but feels the time has now come to sell-up.

He said: “The fire happened between 2.30am and 3am and the fire service arrived shortly after it drew attention with the smoke and noise of bursting tyres.

“The amount of anti-social behaviour in New Town is continuing apace – we have had enough and are looking to get out of the ghetto it is becoming.

“Despite what others may say its defence, the area has been deteriorating and on a slippery slope for several years.

“There is anti-social behaviour, graffiti, overt drug dealing, litter, fly-tipping and general disrespect for the community.”

The latest incident comes just a week after Essex Police arrested five people in New Town within hours of putting a dispersal order in place.

It saw a 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of robbery and a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault.

Two other men, aged 34 and 45, in addition to an 18-year-old girl, were all detained on suspicion of a public order offence.

Echo:

Kayleigh Rippingale, Colchester councillor for New Town and Christ Church, said: “We are working proactively with police to try and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

“We have increased police patrols now but I am going to be pushing for even more funding to keep them patrols going.

“We are also setting up a youth club to try and take people off the streets and give younger people something to do.

“There is a great community spirit in New Town and we always pull together but if there is any concerns residents need to contact us.”