TACKLING the ongoing issue of biker and quad bike menaces proved a hot topic for many residents at a street surgery.

Residents in Stanford-le-Hope descended on Butts Lane to provide their stories of the biker nuisance, and hear some of the plans that the police and Thurrock Council were working on to reduce the issue.

The street surgery was held and hosted by Conservatives Shane Hebb, Terry Piccolo and Stephen Metcalfe MP.

Also in attendance were members of Essex Police, who were keen to listen to local people’s feedback on the biker nuisance.

Nuisance bikers have been an ongoing problem in the area, regularly riding on pavements and in an anti-social manner.

Shane Hebb said: “Bikers using the fields and off road areas around the Barratts development was a significant issue last summer.

"All the concerns being raised are crucial - the potential for bikers to hit someone on or off road, the noise nuisance... some action was taken last year, and this year we wanted to build on that by bringing members of the public, the police and elected members together to discuss the problem - and get a picture of the solutions”.

The street surgery wasn’t just limited to biker issues - it gave residents a chance to talk about the upcoming permit zones and yellow line changes, and ask police for direction in regards to reporting crimes across town.

“Essex Police colleagues have said that a good way of reporting crime - biker nuisance or other crime - is using the internet reporting tool on the Essex Police website”, said Terry Piccolo.

“Residents can still use 101, and we’d repeat their point about the more reports about a specific issue, the more data - which means more action”.

Stephen Metcalfe MP, praised the surgery as a useful tool for residents and councillors.

He said: “I’m thankful for Essex Police coming to our surgery, to hear of the concerns of local people.

"I know Shane and Terry are equally appreciative.

"It was helpful hearing about what plans the police and council are working on, in the hopes of reducing the issues discussed for local people”.