“DRUG addicts, dealers and drinkers” have allegedly turned a Southend churchyard into an all-day party spot, leaving fed-up residents living nearby furious at anti-social behaviour on their doorstep.

The green and spacious garden courtyard outside All Saints Church in Sutton Road, has become a hot-spot for trouble, with residents who regularly spot day-time drinking and drug use pleading with Southend Council and Essex Police to take action.

One resident who lives in Barringtons, opposite the church, says the noise and commotion continues late into the night and early hours of the morning.

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“People have actually been seen there having intercourse in the middle of the day,” said the resident, who did not wish to be named.

“The noise is unbearable and goes throughout the night. They can be seen out in the open taking drugs and drinking, with dealers doing their deals right outside the church.”

Vicar of the church Rev Neil Paxton said: "We have done all we can to address the issues.

"We installed a CCTV camera which was soon vandalised and I have reported the issues to the police and authorities."

Rev Paxton added the church reguarly "prayed for all involved" in the problems.

“It’s absolutely terrible in here at the moment, a lot of the same issues you see in the big Queensway towers such as Pennine,” the resident added.

“We have homeless people and drug takers breaking in to use it as a hang out spot, defecating on the floors and breaking the lifts and the doors.”

He added: “And it’s only going to get worse for us once those big Queensway towers come down, because we will be the first port of call for every drug addict and drinker in Southend.”

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety, insisted the council is aware of the problem and working alongside police to tackle issues.

He said: “We are aware of antisocial behaviour taking place in the All Saints Church gardens and I want to reassure residents that we are working with Essex Police and various community partners to address the issues.

“We are also actively monitoring the area from one of our new camera locations and can rapidly communicate with our community safety officers or police depending on the issues presented.

“Going forward, we will continue to work with outreach partners to increase engagement and discourage the use of the church gardens.”

Chief Inspector Ian Hughes confirmed Essex police was aware of the reports and was working with he council to address the problems.

He added: “Anti-social behaviour can have such an impact on residents and it remains a top priority for Essex Police to prevent and hold those responsible to account.”