A POPULAR nature spot will be patrolled by police because troublemakers are causing antisocial chaos.

Officers continue to receive reports of groups causing antisocial behaviour at West Wood, Hadleigh, with the Castle Point Wildlife Group also targeted by the gangs.

The groups were able to get to the charity’s compound before damaging property, including a trailer hitch.

Police also received reports of drug use and littering in the woods.

Officers have now vowed to conduct patrols of the area whenever possible to stamp out the anti-social behaviour, which the community policing team say isn’t just exclusive to West Wood but happens across Castle Point and Rochford.

Castle Point Council leader, Norman Smith, said: “This antisocial behaviour should not be happening at all, but it’s very hard to hear about such mindless vandalism particularly when we’re in the middle of a pandemic.

“It’s already a difficult time for charities, so it’s quite devastating that they have been hit - this careless behaviour is a lot of the time for no gain and sheerly for fun or something to do.

“We are really lucky to have so many giving up their time and helping others, whether that’s offering to drop round food or litter picking in the street. People are coming together to help any way then can, so it’s really awful the odd few behave in this way.”

He added: “We want to stamp this out as soon as possible. The police are aware and investigating - they are our first point of call.

“We will work with them in any way we can and if this continues to be a long-term problem, we will look at putting more permanent measures in place to resolve the issue.”

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: “We continue to receive reports of groups gathering causing anti-social behaviour and crime in West Wood, Hadleigh. Damage has been caused to property belonging to the charity Castle Point Wildlife Group.

“Our officers will be conducting patrols whenever possible in the location to address this behaviour.”

If you have information, contact 101.