A WORRIED councillor has demanded police up patrols in and around an alleyway where a woman was slashed and robbed.

Peter Ashley, councillor for St Luke’s ward, said safety impovements were essential at the notourious cut-through, off Stornoway Road, Southchurch.

He believes it is fast becoming a no-go zone, and told of residents’ complaints about drug dealing and antisocial behaviour caused by large groups of young men wearing hoodies.

Mr Ashley said: “It’s not the first time there has been an attack in the alleyway. A lot of women will not walk through it now.

“I have been speaking to residents and will be seek- ing to improve the lighting.

“I think we’ve also got to pressure the police into increasing their patrols, and there is a need for CCTV cameras.”

Police have revealed more details about the vicious robbery on a 56-year-old woman who was left with a gash to her chest, reported in Wednesday’s Echo.

She had just withdrawn money from a cash machine outside the Exhange pub, in Southchurch Road, and police believe she was possibly being followed.

The victim walked along Lovelace Gardens into Stornoway Road, and went into the alley where two men repeatedly punched and slashed her. The pair stole the cash, leaving the woman stricken on the ground. They headed off towards Trinity Road, at 7.40pm on Sunday.

Anyone with information should call police on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Det Sgt Ian Howitt, of Southend police, said: “Police are aware of a couple of recent allegations of crimes in the area, and the alleyway has been a focus for some antisocial behaviour.

“A police operation is currently under way which includes visible patrolling as well as a variety of other tactics. We are determined to reduce the incidents of antisocial behaviour and crime in the area.”