The Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex failed to show up at a meeting where he was due to take questions from the public.

Around 20 people who arrived at Murray Hall in Loughton were told that Nick Alston had to cancel due to an appointment with an unspecified member of the royal family.

His deputy Lindsay Whitehouse chaired the meeting.

Chief Inspector Tracey Harman for Epping Forest and Brentwood spoke about crime levels in the district.

Successful burglary operations were discussed as well as a new “cocooning” method to warn people living in houses likely to be targeted.

It was, however, the district after dark that dominated the discussion.

Ian Moody, of Smarts Lane, said that he was fed up with being disturbed by late night revellers.

He said: “Anybody who wants to open a bar seems to be allowed to stay open later and later and later.

“You talk about a vibrant night life, what is vibrant about people throwing up on the streets and fighting at all hours?

“I call the police but nothing seems to get done.”

Cllr Valarie Metcalfe said that the police should be taking a proactive approach and helping licensing committees by speaking out against later opening hours.

She said: “The police really don’t help if they do not object to late night licensing.

“These establishments are ruining people’s lives.”

Detectivce Sergeant Rob Huddelston responded to complaints, stating that the police are meeting with bar owners.

He said: “We will put conditions on a licence and we are not afraid to enforce it, but we would rather work with them.

“People have the right to run a business.”

Chief Insp Harman said that the police would look into policing on a Sunday evening now that NU Bar in High Road, Loughton, has been allowed to open until 1am.

Mr Alston recenty courted controversy by stating his intention to set up a committee to montor the ethics and integrity of the police following recent scandals such as Hillsborough and the Steven Lawrence case.

The Police Federation described the move as 'insulting'.