Council denies High Street is a 'no-go' area

Dozens of police were deployed to Southend during the unrest in July

A councillor has denied claims a city centre that saw an outbreak of violent disorder has become a "no-go" area for families and visitors due to drunken behaviour.

Eight people were arrested and weapons seized by police after rival gangs descended on Southend seafront on 30 July and fought with machetes.

A meeting of the city council's cabinet heard from a resident that problems with tackling anti-social behaviour and excessive drinking had made the High Street a "no-go" area.

In response, Independent councillor Martin Terry, responsible for community safety, said: “Anti-social behaviour is down by almost 30% compared to the previous 12 months across the city."

He added: "A key element of that reduction has been a focus on behaviours in the High Street. It is not a no-go area.”

Last month, a senior police officer also said Southend was not a "no-go zone" following "disparaging" comments in the national media in the wake of the mass brawl.

'Strong visible presence'

Speaking at the council meeting, resident David Webb said "high volumes" of drinking and anti-social behaviour in the High Street had impacted shops and banks, and asked what powers could be given to police and community safety officers, known as street rangers, to tackle the issue.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Terry said a new safe space zone would be set up in the High Street at weekends, from the beginning of autumn.

It would be “manned by police and key partners, ensuring strong visible presence and reducing fear of crime", he added.

“Southend Council’s community safety unit work closely with Essex Police and the street rangers to tackle street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour, through a range of tools at their disposal."

Eight men and boys are due in court later this month charged with various offences in connection with the incident in July.