Robust action must be taken to tackle antisocial behaviour in Witham and ensure residents feel safe, it has been claimed.

MP Priti Patel, Witham Town Council and Essex Police are set to meet with residents and businesses in the coming weeks to discuss concerns after a string of incidents in the town.

The three parties have vowed to work together with the aim of providing peace of mind for residents.

Witham Town Mayor JoAnn Williams said she planned to push for more visible policing in Witham.

“People are very, very concerned about what is going on in the town and people are actually frightened,” she said.

“It can sometimes seem like the Wild West out there, which I do not think is true, but crime is happening.

“When people get a bill for the next year’s council tax and see they will be paying more for policing, I can understand their frustrations.

“People have to realise there is a different way of policing nowadays - the police station will not come back -but we need to think about what we can do to help.”

Last week the Times reported cases of vandalism, burglary and assault in Witham, all believed to have been conducted by the same group of youths.

MP Priti Patel said she was “shocked and appalled” by this kind of behaviour.

She said: “Family homes and businesses are being violated, making people feel unsafe and putting livelihoods at risk.

“This behaviour is not acceptable and we need to see robust action taken to solve these problems.”

Ms Patel said she would work with the town council and police to crackdown on this type of crime.

“We need a zero tolerance clampdown on the criminality and anti-social behaviour blighting our town,” she added. District commander Craig Carrington confirmed an operation had already been launched to combat antisocial behaviour, but admitted officers may not always be available to attend crimes.

He said: “I need the local community to support us in stopping this behaviour, I want those involved to be under no illusion that this behaviour is unacceptable.

“I am looking forward to the joint meeting with the community in the near future to discuss the options available to all us who work to keep our communities safe”