FRUSTRATED residents are considering moving out their homes due to anti-social behaviour plaguing Leigh Cliffs and the Belvedere.

The Belvedere, a century-old viewing platform on Cliff Parade, has become a hotspot for trouble, with graffiti plastered across it and piles of litter dumped.

Paul Gilson, a Leigh Town councillor, says he has spoken to residents who are even debating moving out due to the trouble nearby, with noisy yobs gathering and using drugs at the site.

Police have been conducting hi-visibility patrols in “key areas” in the town, which included the Belvedere.

Mr Gilson said: “I was talking to some residents and they are normally very comfortable, but they’re looking to move away.

“They have lived here for over 30 years and so they’re not looking lightly, but I hope this gives them some confidence something is happening.

“The woman just doesn’t feel safe when she takes her dog out for a walk and they keep hearing the low lives that are attracted to the area.”

Councillor Andrew Wilkins, from Leigh Town Council, added: “I’ve been told the police are doing regular patrols around the site which is positive to say the least.

“It is slowly getting better, but there are still reports of anti-social behaviour, including constant littering, noise disturbances, and drugs.

“Nearby residents buy their homes for the view, not this.”

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, says the Belvedere has been a magnet for drug abuse and anti-social behaviour.

He said: “I have visited a number of times, and the problems only seem to be getting worse, despite the excellent work of the police, the Friends of Love Leigh Cliffs and councillor Paul Gilson.

“I hope the increased patrols see a decrease in this type of crime and the Belvedere can be reclaimed for residents who want to use it.”

Over the years unused and vandalised toilets at the site have been ripped out, while historic stones dating as far back as 1911 were uncovered from the undergrowth and reinstalled as bases in a seating area.

Carole Mulroney, councillor for environment, culture, tourism and planning, hopes a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), could help deter trouble.

She said: “A PSPO covering Leigh and the cliffs comes into force this week, which I hope will make a difference.

“I do think however it needs to be given time to settle in so we can access what impact that has before we take drastic action.”