BOOZY crowds were back in Old Leigh with groups drinking in the street and a fight breaking out between two girls.

Concerns have been raised that “businesses are not benefitting” due to people buying booze in shops and drinking in the street, as lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Furious residents have been left to clear up the mess of broken bottles and say people were urinating in the street.

It comes after one person was taken to Southend Hospital by ambulance after an incident in the High Street at around 8.30pm on Saturday.

Residents reported there being a fight between two girls.

A meeting for residents and businesses is now set to take place tomorrow with the police and crime commissioner.

Ron Sverdloff, who lives on High Street, shared his concerns that businesses wouldn’t benefit as much as they should from the crowds as a result of people bringing their own alcohol.

Ron often clears up the mess of broken bottles and other mess left by visitors along the beach and seawall.

He said: “One of the problems is they bring their own booze so the pubs don’t even benefit from them being there.

“And the rest of us have to clean it all up. Everyone rallies round but we shouldn’t have to do this. It’s crazy.

“The urination was totally out of control. It was the whole place they were weeing, even in High Street. The urine was running down the street.

“Can you imagine an old couple on a mobility scooter or with walking sticks trying to get through those crowds?”

Leigh councillor Carole Mulroney said: “With the good weather, people flock to the area.

“We have a lot of things in place with safety coverage and CCTV.

“We have these people come and bring their own drink with them.

“At the end of the day this is a police matter and we can only support the police and put in measures we agree with them.

“Of course it’s worrying for people in the town. If people are concerned, they must call the police and if they can’t come, they will have a record that you have phoned them.”