A PUBWATCH scheme could hold the key to ending gang fights and drug dealing blighting Leigh Old Town, a Tory crime commissioner candidate says.

Old Leigh has been hit with huge crowds, street drinking, and drug dealing, with the town being “torn away” from those who live there.

But Roger Hirst, Tory candidate for police, crime, and fire commissioner, told businesses and families a pubwatch system could be the solution to the issues.

The scheme would see businesses in Old Leigh connected through either a walky-talky or phone system, to report incidents to each other, and the police.

At a crunch meeting in Leigh, fearful businesses and residents aired their concerns to Mr Hirst and Southend West MP Sir David Amess.

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Mr Hirst said: “There isn’t a silver bullet to resolve everything there. A pubwatch is one of those, they can really help.

“They’ve worked elsewhere across the county.

“The real problems are street drinking, drug dealing, and underage drinking.

“A protection order would also really help the situation.”

A public space protection order is under consultation which would give additional powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Sarah Welton, the owner of Sarah’s Tea Gardens in the town, who attended the talks with Mr Hirst, said: “A pubwatch will definitely help, but half the problem is there isn’t enough police.

“There’s no point us reporting the problems to the police and then they don’t get here quick enough.

“It’s getting really frustrating for us down here, we’re fed up of the constant problems and the false promises.”

The talks come just a month after the murder of Luke Bellfield, from Eastwood.

A 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder has been rebailed to May 24.

The teenager was arrested on March 1 but was later released on conditional bail.

A post-mortem examination found Luke died as a result of a single stab wound to the heart.

Ron Sverdloff, who lives in the town, is adamant an alcohol-free zone is the only way to solve the growing issues endured by families.

He added: “I can see the pubs being opposed to a pubwatch, but public safety is more important than selling a few drinks.

“The town is being torn away from us.

“A lot of the trouble comes down on the train from London, so if the police on the trains can tip off officers in Leigh about the incoming crowds then that will help.”

Just three weeks ago, Essex Police was forced to introduce a dispersal order in Old Leigh to prevent huge crowds from growing even further.

Boozy crowds once again gathered last weekend.

Sir David said: “Having more police officers patrol the area on foot at key times, instead of just in their vehicles, would help control the large crowds and public drinking - much of which comes from individuals who aren’t residents and travel into Old Leigh.

“A public spaces protection order, which could increase police powers to remove alcohol from street drinkers and those fouling and littering, is another solution.

“The main issues that were raised were drugs, drinking and violence.

“We agreed the illegal under-age drinking, public urination and littering is spoiling the neighbourhood and the seafront.

“Broken glass was left on the beach which is dangerous for children, and ambulances and police cars had to forge their way through the large crowds.”

Mr Hirst is standing in the May 6 election for police, crime, and fire commissioner.

Other candidates are Roger Tilbrook (English Democrats), Chris Vince (Labour), and Jon Whitehouse (Lib Dems).