DRUG dealing and anti-social behaviour have made lives a misery for residents - sparking extra patrols from police.

Families say they have been plagued throughout the pandemic by street drinking, abuse and “blatant drug dealing” in Ashanti Close, Shoebury.

Now, police bosses have launched Operation Gail in a bid to cut down on problems.

Elaine Clarke, 52, of Ashanti Close, said: “There are times when they are drunk and on drugs and start to hurl abuse at residents - I’ve had them swearing at me when I get out of my car.

“I’ve seen them meeting and exchanging bags of drugs and cash and they aren’t even trying to hide it.

“They are intimidating and it’s so unpleasant, we shouldn’t have to deal with this.”

Brian Charlton, 39, also of the road raised concerns about his young children witnessing crime.

He added: “The yobs are shouting and being rude in the street after taking drink and drugs.

“I’ve seen then upsetting older residents and it’s so wrong.

“There’s been incidents with them fighting each other and causing a total nuisance of themselves.

“We deserve to live here in peace and not worry about what’s happening in the road.”

While Christine Tilley, 42, welcomed further action.

She said: “I know some older residents are worried at time and scared to go out especially after dark - and this is totally unacceptable we should not have to live like this.

“They sit in the street playing loud music, taking drugs and drinking on a regular basis.”

Sergeant Matt Halls, of Southend community policing team, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents is paramount and we have received a number of complaints from residents relating to ongoing antisocial behaviour in the area.

“We are therefore aiming to increase our visibility in the area in order to identify and disrupt those involved in the behaviour.

“Our patrols are being incorporated into our day-to-day business and if we identify a pattern of behaviour or a specific problem through these patrols, we will pursue action with those involved.”