Colchester car park’s anti-social issues improved by new rules

Emma Dell said some of her neighbours were "still in a state of shock as they are not used to being able to sleep at night" following the changes

Residents living near a car park blighted by anti-social behaviour have praised action taken to stop it.

Neighbours of St Mary's car park in Colchester have complained of car cruising and drivers "screeching" their tyres at night.

Colchester City Council fenced off its entrance between 22:00 and 06:00 at weekends to tackle the behaviour.

Resident Emma Dell said she was "over the moon" at the changes, which still allow drivers to exit the site.

The car park entrance is now fenced off overnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Ms Dell, secretary of the St Mary's Residents' Association, said the move was a "key point that made the difference".

"I think some of the neighbours are still in a state of shock as they are not used to being able to sleep at night," she said.

"It had got so bad that a lot of residents wouldn't speak out about it because they felt totally intimidated.

"Some were out at 03:00, taking pictures of what was going on because they were so worried about their safety.

"You have to stand up to the people behaving anti-socially because they are bullies."

Residents recorded footage of the car park late at night

Mrs Dell said neighbours had logged 300 incidents of anti-social behaviour over the past six years.

Colchester Council introduced temporary CCTV cameras at the car park alongside security patrols.

• Car park closing at night over car cruising reports

• Dispersal order imposed over car meet concerns

• Police reveal 11 areas for increased crime patrols

Automatic barriers will eventually replace the temporary fencing.

The town hall also renewed its Public Space Protection Order, first introduced in October 2022, giving police and council officers powers to fine and prosecute people driving anti-socially.

Liberal Democrat city council leader David King praised residents "for being persistent and patient" over the issue

Labour councillor Steph Nissen, representing Castle ward, said the action had "dramatically improved" the situation.

She added: "The key thing now is we don't want to let this positive action slip again."

Liberal Democrat city council leader David King said: "Not every issue has gone, but residents tell me the great majority has; they are getting a better night's sleep and they are less worried."