DRUNKEN yobs have returned to cause mayhem in two notorious tower blocks.

Residents of Royal Court, in Laindon, claim gangs of youths have taken over the stairwells of the blocks where they drink, smoke drugs, urinate, vomit and even have sex.

Thugs are also taking over the lifts, threatening and spitting at passers by, defecating in stairwells and smashing bottles, it is claimed.

Residents spoke out after yesterday's Echo told how the flat of single mother Tanya Gordon, 20, was torched by arsonists.

Barry Hughes, a resident of one of the blocks said: "Things did really improve after police patrols were originally introduced, but over the past few months it has got really bad again.

"They stop people using the lifts and threaten you when you go down the stairs. I have been on to St Georges Community Housing's antisocial behaviour people, but they won't admit there is a problem."

He said, now someone's flat had been set on fire, he hoped action would be taken to address the issue.

Another man, who was too scared to be identified, said: "We are subjected to appalling antisocial behaviour every night.

"There are gangs of drunken, abusive thugs draping themselves over the staircases. They refuse to move when asked politely. At best they spit at you or worse try and push you over.

"The smell of pot is enough to send you off on to someone else's planet.

"When entering or leaving the blocks you are quite likely to see one of these yobs having sex with one of the female thugs."

Tony Ball, councillor in charge of community safety, said: "This is a concern.

"Ward councillors are meeting with the anti-social behaviour team to see what action can be taken."

Council spokesman Chris Johnshon said: "We rely on residents coming forward with evidence to assist us and the police in tackling antisocial behaviour. We have invited Mr Hughes to help us compile evidence against the all-eged perpetrators, by filling out monitoring forms, which he has declined to do.

"We urge anyone with information to speak to us and the police."

Essex Police spokesman Nishan Wijeratne could not confirm if the number of crimes was on the rise at Royal Court, but said police were monitoring the area.

"We have not stopped high-visibility patrols on the estate," he said.