A BUILDING which was once plagued by vandals and covered in graffiti has erected a new fence to keep them out.

The new security feature surrounds the WRVS Hall in King George playing field, Canvey, to stop teenagers from climbing on it.

The building had become a target for antisocial behaviour with constant damage and graffiti turning the hall into an eyesore and a source of fear for staff and visitors.

But now the new green fence blocks off the secluded area where groups of youths had been gathering.

The fence was paid for and installed by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership - a group of bodies fronted by the police and council.

Tony Belford, Castle Point councillor responsible for community safety and representative on the partnership board, said: "The fencing around the hall will provide a major improvement to the general area, decrease crime and anti-social behaviour and reassure the volunteers and visitors at the WRVS."

From the hall, the WRVS provides meals and social activities for more than 80 elderly people each week.

Now the fence is in place, there are plans to landscape the garden to provide a peaceful area for visitors to sit in.

WRVS chief executive Lynne Berry said: "The WRVS would like to express its thanks to the partnerships for erecting and financing the fantastic new security fence. WRVS has been providing social activities for older people at our Canvey Hall facilities for more than 20 years now and it is a service that is greatly appreciated by local residents. We hope we can all work together to make growing older a positive and fulfiling experience that can be enjoyed with peace of mind and in pleasant surroundings."