A COMMUNITY is demanding action after they say pleas for help with antisocial behaviour, violence and racist abuse are being ignored.

In February, the Echo reported how shopkeeper Rafiah Kumeran had endured years of trouble at his Costcutter store in London Road, Westcliff.

The shopkeeper’s business is being blighted by street drinkers who harass and abuse customers.

Mr Kumeran said after the story, he was contacted by senior members of Essex Police but has heard nothing since.

He said: “We call the police and they tell us to go to the council. We call the council and they tell us it’s a police matter. This has been going on for seven years - I don’t understand why they continue to do nothing. A lot of our customers are saying they won’t come to the shop anymore.”

One resident, who has asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said the street drinkers just don’t care.

The 55-year-old said: “This has been going on for years. All the neighbours are getting sick to death of it. These people just do not care. They harass people who are walking past. They defecate and urinate wherever they like even as children are walking home from school. I’ve caught them doing it on my doorstep before - you ask the council officers to move them on and they say they haven’t got the authority but then police don’t do anything either.”

Concerned resident Stuart McDonald, 32, said authorities have failed to act.

He added: “Rafiah had letters from everyone, but since then nothing. I was speaking to a police officer who assured me she was on top of it but since then - nothing.

“We were told PCSOs would be patrolling the area but we haven’t seen anyone in three months.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Since February, we have assigned a dedicated investigating officer and we have increased our patrols. As part of this, in April, our officers issued a Community Protection Warning to a man in relation to street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

“A further two people, also seen drinking in London Road, were given Community Protection Notices in April. They were also moved on from the area, had alcohol seized and were given words of advice.

“We continue to work closely with Southend Council’s Community Safety Officers and CCTV operators to deal with anti-social behaviour.

“We would urge anyone with information to call Southend CPT on 101 quoting crime reference 42/18755/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”