KERB crawlers have been banned from a Southend street in a bid to protect sex workers and reduce issues surrounding prostitution, it has been reveal.

Residents have long complained about problems surrounding sex workers and kerb crawlers in Ambleside Drive, with one sex worker recently handed a community protection warning.

Now, multiple kerb crawlers have been hit with the same warnings - banning them from entering the street.

Essex Police has insisted that none of the kerb crawlers have reoffended since the warnings were issued.

Martin Terry, Independent councillor for public protection, said: “I am delighted with these outcomes as it is dreadful to live there for residents.

“We had a call for action as did Essex Police and we did something about it. I am pleased with these warnings and pleased police are issuing them.

“These are putting people off and I hope we see more of these warnings being issued. It’s a desperate situation for these sex workers and it’s often linked to addiction.”

People living on Ambleside Drive have long complained about problems with gangs, drug dealers and prostitution.

Residents have reported an improvement in issues recently, hoping it is the first step in ending the problem for good.

Dan Nelson, Tory shadow cabinet member for community safety, said: “These women should be treated as victims as most are exploited.

“I think these warnings are fantastic news for the residents who have been complaining for some time.

“It’s great police have found this way of dealing with it. I think it’s a problem that can easily reoccur if the circumstances occur so we need to be cautious.”

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Recently, the Echo revealed that a number of residents have installed video doorbells and CCTV cameras, using the footage and voice recording to submit evidence to Essex Police.

In August 2021, Essex Police launched Operation Vimto in the Ambleside Drive area to target criminals running sex and drug gangs.

Essex Police insisted officers treat these women as victims and ensure their welfare is the priority when they are dealing with them.