AN INCREASED police presence is cracking down on crime in a notorious Southend estate.

The four Queensway Estate towers, built in the 1960s, have long been plagued by crime, anti-social behaviour and drug taking.

Essex Police has been conducting regular patrols of the blocks, which had become overrun by homeless and drug addicts.

Echo: Police on patrol in Queensway estatePolice on patrol in Queensway estate (Image: Essex Police)

Residents of the 16-storey Pennines block say the presence of officers scares away troublemakers.

Jason Campbell, 44, who has lived in the block for more than a decade, said: “Police have been way more proactive recently.

“We were crying out for help for so long. It’s not like all our problems are gone, but it is getting better.”

“Police have been visiting more often and when they are here all the drug takers scarper and don’t come back for a few days,” said a second 48-year-old resident who wished to remain anonymous.

Echo: Towering - Pennine blockTowering - Pennine block (Image: Google Maps)

“Obviously, police can’t be here all the time and when they are gone we still have the same problems with people taking drugs in the halls.”

“But the more the police come, the better it is to live here. We feel much safer when they are patrolling,” he added.

On Thursday afternoon, Essex Police officers from the force’s community policing team undertook a patrol of the Queensway estate as part of the force’s proactive commitment to clean up the area.

“We’re working together with partners to deter and resolve the issues around antisocial behaviour. Our patrols will continue,” an Essex Police spokesman said.

Echo: Drugs - Earlier this year residents issued a plea for drug taking to be confrontedDrugs - Earlier this year residents issued a plea for drug taking to be confronted (Image: .)

Pennine tower is managed by Southend Council’s housing management firm South Essex Homes (SEH).

Anita McGinley, housing community safety manager for South Essex Homes, said: “Pennine is covered by our neighbourhood patrol who provide a visible presence during the day and evening. 

“Details of any drug activity, or other criminal activity identified during these patrols, are fed into the daily Police Community Safety briefing - where intelligence is gathered in order for the appropriate action to be taken. “