ANGRY residents have hit out at young people leaving smashed glass at a play area and on the beach as well as throwing stones at swans.

Dad Stuart Gregory from Mistley has called for action after having to leave a play area due to the dangerous mess.

He said: "It was Monday morning at Mistley play ground in New Road.

"I took my daughter there and had to leave on account of glass on the ground at the park and in the grass.

"She nearly stood on a sliver of glass four inches long - I had to pull her away."

Mr Gregory said he then tried going to Manningtree beach, which was just as bad.

He added: "Glass was strewn all along the path there too.

"On several occasions I've been there with my kids and it's been the same.

"It's just doesn't feel safe letting them run around there and is such a shame as we are lucky to have such lovely spaces."

He puts some of the issue down to there not being enough to do in the area and hopes more could be done in the community to engage with young people.

He said: "Often you hear groups of young people swearing and shouting around this area.

"It's intimidating for many and puts people off going there.

"Maybe the community should look into how to engage young people in meaningful and fun activities as well as sending a message of complete blame."

Debbie Burrows, of Oxford Road, Manningtree posted about problems of young people throwing things at swans on the Manningtree Uncut Facebook Page.

She said: "Some one told me about it, they saw two incidents over a couple of nights.

"They were done there feeding the swans at the time and saw kids down The Walls throwing stones and aiming water guns at the swans and other birds whilst adults looked on.

"They did ask the kids throwing stones to stop but they were met with swearing. "What’s wrong with people?"