Class A drugs are being openly sold on the streets of Harwich, it has been claimed.

Police were told at a meeting that drugs such as heroin and cocaine were rife in the town - and had a knock-on effect on crime.

Residents spoke of their fears at a meeting of the Harwich Neighbourhood Crime Prevention Panel.

But they were reassured the issue was no worse in Harwich than anywhere else in the county.

Matthew Wix, of Tendring Council, said: "As landlord, if we have proof and somebody is convicted, the council will take action. It is not something that will be brushed under the carpet."

Insp Adrian Dearsley, of Harwich police, said: "If we have got actionable intelligence, we will deal with it. People come to these forums and say they have seen people snorting cocaine but they don't tell us."