DANGEROUS drivers and inconsiderate cyclists have been added to the priority list for police officers on the Debden estate in Loughton.

At a meeting of Debden Neighbourhood Action Panel, PC Sami Dawood said he would look into the issues of speeding motorists in Chester Road, and cyclists on the pavement in The Broadway as a must.

Renewed calls have been made for extra action in Chester Road recently with little improvement since ten-year-old Ronni Norman was hit by a bus there 18 months ago.

Mr Dawood also said burglary would remain a high priority for the Safer Neighbourhoods Team he heads, and added that recent operations involving extra officers had substantially reduced burglary figures.

He said a drugs warrant had been executed at an address in Ibbetson Path last week but nothing was found.

One issue discussed at length at the meeting was the ongoing debate over the location of a future skatepark in Loughton.

District and town councillor David Wixley told the meeting the most probable location for a future facility would be on Willingale Road playing field.

He said: “As soon as we get the ok there's money there to spend on it, but I'm sure there's going to be opposition.

“It's never going to be perfect. Wherever it goes people are going to complain. Some people say no to everything then they complain there's nothing for the kids to do.”

But PCSO Louise Strutt said she had issues with the site because of its seclusion and potential for anti-social behaviour.

She added: “That field is used quite a lot by people to drink at. It's out of the way from the road. I've been there a few times and there are fires and kids smoking weed. It's a waste area.”

She agreed that a skate park was a priority for the town adding: “I talk to the local kids in Debden and it's all they talk about every day: 'what's happening with our skate park'. It's so frustrating because our kids are missing out.”