Residents plagued by antisocial behaviour say they are being forced to take matters into their own hands.

After enduring months of vandalism, people in Old Heath, Colchester, have said enough is enough and vowed to do something about it.

This follows a wrecking spree by teenagers at a play area in Speedwell Road on Saturday, when play equipment was vandalised and the park left strewn with drink cans and food wrappers.

Dave Smith, the chairman of Old Heath Residents' Association, said residents, who frequently complain about the lack of police patrols, had suggested taking to the streets themselves.

He said: "People have had enough. Every weekend we have trouble and younger children are not playing in the park. Patrols would be confrontation and a last resort, but if the police won't police the area, what can you do?

"We are looking at all options and may approach the council for funding to pay for a private security company to patrol the area."

PC Amanda Cook, of the Harbour and Berechurch neighbourhood policing team, said officers were working through the neighbourhood action panel to tackle the problems.

"On Friday, the Harbour PCSOs carried out a cold-calling initiative and only four residents gave information about problems, largely related to youths playing football in a garage area, which I will be taking up with the council," she said.

"People who have problems should let the police know, and we will do what we can."