FED-UP residents living on a graffiti-strewn estate have called for a clampdown on the ever-growing menace.

People living on the Wick, Wickford, say they are sick and tired of having to clean up after vandals.

One of the worst hit areas is in the heart of the estate, between the Broadwalk and Speyside Walk.

A large fence surrounding a new development is plastered with graffiti. Slogans have also been daubed over bins, lamp posts and even pavements.

The call for action comes as police claimed a month-long crime crackdown on the estate, targeting antisocial behaviour, car crime and criminal damage, was a success and had cut crime by almost 30 per cent.

Some residents are not convinced and want to see a stronger police presence.

Matt Leach, 32, who has lived in Sinclair Walk for three years, said: "Graffiti is a massive problem and I don't think it's been cut at all.

"The biggest problem is in the middle of the estate, where they are building the new houses and every wall and lamp post has been graffitied on.

"I haven't seen any police walking around here. Really all they need to do is find out who the graffiti tag names are and then they will find out who's doing it."

Another woman, a mum who lives in Douglas Drive, added: "You do get kids hanging around who the graffiti tag names are and then they will find out who's doing it."

Another woman, a mum who lives in Douglas Drive, added: "You do get kids hanging around in the evenings, but they don't really cause a problem.

"But the graffiti is a nightmare, it's an eyesore. Every time it is cleaned off, or fences are replaced, more appears."

Don Morris, a Wickford Park Tory councillor, agreed vandalism was a real problem and urged residents to do their bit to catch those responsible.

He said: "Some people out there must know who's doing it.

"To stop them, they really need to co-operate and tell police.

"It's no good just waiting for the police to do something."

Insp Sue Heaton said police officers regularly photograph graffiti tags to identify the perpetrators.

She said: "Unless we can identify them, or people tell us who is responsible, it really is a case of catching them in the act."