Give us back our High Street.

That is the message from traders who claim their businesses are being plagued by a group of people drinking and causing anti social behaviour in Newland Street.

Police have raised concerns with Braintree Council about drinking in the area and are currently in the process of collecting evidence that could lead to a drink ban zone.

Russell Davis, branch manager at Allen Estates, in Newland Street said the group were causing real problems for local traders .

He said: “There is a group of people who gather on a bench opposite my shop every morning.

“They are there all day drinking and can be quite lewd and verbally agressive, especially towards young women.

“When it rains they move to the bus stop, I have seen older women become quite intimidated.

“We have witnessed them urinating in door ways.

“As a business we try to encourage people to move in to the town, it is embarrassing when customers make comments about them.

“A number of businesses have contacted police but officers tell us there is very little they can do to move them on.”

Phillipa Gigg, manager of Yaxleys Hairdresser said walking past the group was intimidating for her and her clients.

To read full story, see this week's Times.