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ANTI-SOCIAL teenagers gather at a pumping station in a popular park, make noise, use drugs, and drink alcohol.\n<\/p>\n
Problems with the pumping station – based in Arthur Stevens Field, Benfleet – have bothered park users and residents of the site, Essex police say.\n<\/p>\n
Ian Risden, acting police sergeant for the Castle Point and Rochford Community Police Team, says the park has seen problems with off-road motorcycles and scrambler bikes as well.\n<\/p>\n
Appleton Town Councilor Tom Skipp fears the problem could affect dog walkers as well.\n<\/p>\n
Mr Skipp said: \u201cIt is worrying to hear that people do this. There is of course a potential for noise, but one also has to think about the chaos it leaves behind and which then needs to be cleaned up.\n<\/p>\n
“It’s also very popular with dog owners and it’s not very nice for them to walk by.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Continue reading:<\/strong><\/em>\n<\/p>\n \n The elderly woman stayed without a toilet for six weeks and had to use a bucket as a “makeshift flush”<\/a>\n<\/p>\n PC Risden added, \u201cThis is such a well-used park so it will have an impact on people. If there are groups of teenagers around, users may opt for a wide route if they feel uncomfortable walking by.\n<\/p>\n \u201cI’m not saying they are all troublemakers, but it is clear from reports we have that people are congregating, using drugs and drinking, and improper use of off-road motorcycles in the area.\n<\/p>\n “This is two meters from people’s homes and some use inappropriate language.”\n<\/p>\n Officials are now encouraging the public to use the free what3words app, which can help them know the exact location of the anti-social behavior or crime<\/a> occurs.\n<\/p>\n With what3words, PC Risden even managed to find the location of the pumping station.\n<\/p>\n Mr Risden said, \u201cWe were looking for the exact place where they gathered, we knew it was the field but not exactly where.\n<\/p>\n \u201cBut the app also means that we can find people who may need help, for example if they are stuck in the mudflats at Canvey. I can’t emphasize how important it is for emergency services, you never know when you need it. ”\n<\/p>\n An Essex Police Department spokesman added, “This what3words reference will be added to the patrol plan.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n