FIGUREHEADS have today called a meeting with Essex Police in an attempt to slash vandalism on the island.

It comes after a series of high profile cases, that has seen a part playing area destroyed, an amusement park out of pocket and a memorial bench set on fire.

Essex County councillors Dave Blackwell and Peter May, also Castle Point District councillors for Canvey, will thrash out ideas with Sgt Mark McQuade, from the Castle Point community policing team to combat the “mindless crimes.”

Mr Blackwell said: “ What we have seen here on the island is a big increase in anti-social-behaviour on the school holidays - we have seen signs pulled down, graffiti and arson. It’s just mindless vandalism and it needs to stop.

Mr Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independents continued: “We are going to see if the police can patrol certain areas during the holidays to act as a deterrent.

“In the holidays you’ll often see groups of eight to ten young people walking around together on their own.

“It’s something that needs to be looked at.”

On May 1, young vandals destroyed a seafront memorial bench after setting it alight.

Two youngsters, believes to be aged about 11 or 12, are thought to have started the fire on Thorney Bay beach.

On the same day, Scott Petty, who runs the Leisure Island Fun Park, on the seafront, told how vandals regularly break into his business and cause damage at least once a month.

They left him £1,000 out of pocket after breaking in and damaging rides on May 1.

Mr Petty told the Echo he welcomes the meeting, but added lack of policing is “only part of the problem.”

He said: “Of course, it’s could that the council and police are meeting to discuss this, but it’s tough - the police are so stretched on resources.

“I think there needs to be a change in legislation where if vandals are caught they are made to pay.

“And if they are too young then the parents should be made to pick up the bill.”

Anyone with information on either of these crimes can call Essex Police on 101 or independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.