ANTI-social behaviour and speeding drivers will be the main focus for police, it was decided at Epping's first Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP) meeting.

The service, provided by the police, has been set up in other areas of the district and successfully works to reduce crime and tackle crime problems bought up by residents.

But Epping has missed out on this service because police have only just set up a NAP for the town, allowing residents to voice their concerns.

Paul Gardener from the district council's safer communities team explained: “A NAP is set up to look at quality of life and what we want to do it make the quality of life better for the people living in Epping. It does work in other areas.”

Specialist Officer for Epping Gary Harrington held the meeting and invited residents to decide what should be the main focus for police in the town.

David Windrow who attended the meeting said speeding motorists in Kendal Avenue needed to be a priority.

He added: “People are going down there at 60 to 70mph to get to the station and something has to be done about it.

"What will make it worse is that the new parking proposals that Essex County Council has come out with is to put pay and display metres in Kendal Avenue. People will be crossing the road to get to the pay station.

"The issue of speeding in Kendal Avenue is quite serious and it is used as a rat run.”

Anti social behaviour caused by youths at Stonards Hill will also be a priority for police.

Marie Healy said she had confronted teenagers drinking in the park.

She added: “One of them threw a bottle and it smashed all over the floor. I asked them who threw it and they wouldn't tell me.

"They were so drunk one of them could hardly stand up. I probably shouldn't have approached them but I was so angry. There were children nearby.

"I threatened to call the police and eventually they picked up the glass.”

Mr Windrow added: “There are drugs over there and I have seen needles. There's clearly drinking because there is always empty bottles over there.”

PC Harrington is hoping to create a team of NAP members to represent different parts of the town and speak of behalf of residents at regular meetings every six weeks.

If you are interested in taking part contact him on 07779317211.