EXTREME anti-social behaviour is affecting the trade of a seaside guest house, according to its owner.

Barry Shimell, who runs Marine View on Edith Road in Clacton, says he has had problems for the last three months on his street.

He says that the area is a target for drugs and alcohol problems, while offenders are often fighting and causing trouble in full view of his guests.

"I might as well board up," said Mr Shimell, who runs the hotel with his wife Susan.

"I've had to return people's money - they won't stay here when they hear the noise and the language.

"They don't even want to walk past these people, who are drunk out of their heads and drugged up.

"I've just about had enough of it now."

Mr Shimell says that the police are regular visitors to the street, while he has also been in constant contact with Tendring Council's anti-social behaviour department.

"There's just not a lot they can do," he said.

"I don't know what to do either - I'm losing trade again and again."

Tendring Council's communications manager, Nigel Brown, said the authority was fully aware of the problems at a particular address in Edith Road.

He added: "It would be wrong to discuss details concerning individuals but we have been working closely with the local policing team and the manager of the property to come up with a solution.

"The council fully understands the guest house owner's concern and sympathises with him."