THREATENING gangs of yobs are intimidating staff and hurling abuse at customers at a Canvey leisure centre, staff claim.
Castle Point Council is investigating issues with antisocial behaviour at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, as teenagers allegedly threaten staff, throw objects in the foyer and hurl abuse at workers and customers alike.
One member of staff at the Somnes Avenue centre claims police were called to a particularly bad incident on Tuesday night, with young adults joining teenagers to shout abuse at staff and lifeguards on the latest shift.
The relative of a member of staff said: “There is a girl there who said she would not work certain nights.
“On Tuesday night it was really bad, a load of 14 to 18-year-olds threatened a lifeguard and six of them were in the foyer and threatened my relative. They said ‘we are going to wait for you’.
“A few customers have been approached by them, and they throw stuff around the foyer, they cause a lot of issues.
“What is the management doing? It is not very good and the management don’t work nights.”
The council says bosses at the centre have dished out bans from the site to a number of culprits identified.
The worker’s family member added: “I worry for her safety, it is not worth it, it is not worth the job.”
People’s Independent Party councillor Tom Gibson, responsible for special projects and assets said: “We understand some claims have been made regarding the management of antisocial behaviour at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre.
“We want to assure you that we take these issues extremely seriously and are committed to protecting our staff and customers.
“Management have proactively taken steps to identify and ban individuals from the site.
“In addition, Waterside Farm Leisure Centre is a valued community resource, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.”
Mr Gibson said the council is working with Canvey’s Yellow Door youth group and Active Thrive Flourish charity to provide more opportunities for young people.
He added: “We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that threatens our employees or customers, and we are working closely with the police to address these incidents.”
Essex Police were contacted for comment.
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