Residents will be asked to work with police and councillors over the future of a fence put up to combat anti-social behaviour.

Braintree Council fenced off the rear of open space in Twelve Acres, Braintree, in October following complaints in neighbouring Lie Field Close about moped riders, vandals and noisy youths over the past two years.

However, residents in Twelve Acres say the £5,000 fence has blocked a shortcut for parents and children walking to school.

They collected a petition of 118 signatures, which was handed in to the council’s Braintree local committee.

Councillors have asked the chairman of residents group Braintree East Pride in our Patch to organise a public forum to discuss and agree a way forward.

They also asked for progress report to be made in two months time.