TACKLING antisocial behaviour on the waters around Maldon could boost tourism for the district.

Maldon District Council has bought two jet skis to use in enforcement on the river Blackwater.

The purchase was made after the council received a number of complaints about inappropriate use of jet skis and jet bikes on the river amid concerns its current vessel is not up to the job.

Until 2012 the council’s river bailiff was equipped with a high speed rib boat capable of chasing speeding boats and water vessels.

But this was replaced with a smaller fishing style boat – only capable of 17mph - due to high maintenance costs.

Following the purchase of the jet skis the council is hoping it will be able to curb antisocial behaviour on the water.

Manager for leisure, countryside and tourism at Maldon District Council, Ben Brown, told the Community Services Committee: “Hopefully it will be really good and have some positive impact on reducing antisocial behaviour of the river.

“What we found by working with some of the leisure providers – some of the caravan park owners – they were actually having problems with people who were being antisocial on the water and where being antisocial at night in their establishments.

“That then has an impact on tourism, if we get well run and positive experiences from people when they go and visit some of our caravan parks then they are obviously more likely to come back and spend more money in the district.”

The cost of two jet skis is in the region of £15,000.