Demo outside Bexhill police station

People from Wilton Road held up placards outside and claim the problem has gone on for at least five years.

One resident, Elaine Clarke, said: “We’ve had people coming and going in the street with drugs, as well as fighting. On Friday someone was assaulted in the street by a load of youngsters.

“We’ve seen things thrown out of windows and verbal and domestic abuse in the street.

“Everyone has come to the point where they feel we need to make a stand against this and say enough is enough.

“The police do not seem to be taking positive action. They knew we were demonstrating outside the station but chose to ignore us. The anti-social behaviour has been going on at the seafront end of Wilton Road for five years and we’ve had enough. I’ve lived there for 13 years and it used to be so nice. We want a nice quiet life without being abused. I have children and I don’t want them brought up thinking anti-social behaviour is normal.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police are working with Rother District Council to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

“Members of the local policing team are visiting residents to provide support and obtain any further evidence of offences being committed, and in particular drug-dealing.”

Inspector Dan Russell, of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Bexhill, said: “I can assure people they are not being ignored. We are fully aware of their concerns.

“Any criminal offences reported will be robustly investigated and safeguarding measures will be put in place. We are also considering the use of closure powers under anti-social behaviour legislation to help tackle problems in the area.”

Police said they received reports of youths in hoodies fighting in Wilton Road at around 10pm on Friday. Officers attended but those responsible had dispersed. No arrests were made.

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