Police have responded to accusations from residents and councillors that the closure of a police station in 2011 has led to an increase of crime.

At least sixty people are reported to have been involved in brawls over the last two weekends near the Green Dragon pub in Market Square, Waltham Abbey which resulted in four people being assaulted. 

Residents told the Guardian that fighting was a regular occurrence.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “Police in Waltham Abbey are working with the licensee of the Green Dragon pub and are aware there have been a few incidents were fights have occurred which are being investigated.

“Local officers are aware of these recent incidents and as such will be paying particular attention to the area when conducting their patrols."

Waltham Abbey police station in Sun Street first closed in 2011 and then briefly re-opened during the London Olympics in 2012. Police said it was 'not viable to remain open'.

Councillors Helen Kane and Rod Butler criticised a lack of visible police presence and weekend night patrols in Waltham Abbey to act as a deterrent to crime.

But Essex Police said:“Waltham Abbey has a committed local policing team with named officers and PCSOs who regularly patrol the town.

"There is also a team of officers providing 24 hour response to incidents as they occur.

"In addition, we have recently established weekly street meets which are held every week by PCSOs in local public buildings such as supermarkets and council offices, and Local Community Meetings, held every eight weeks chaired by a supervisory officer.”

The next local community meeting where Waltham Abbey residents can raise their concerns with police will be on November 12 at 7pm in Roydon Village Hall, Harlow Road.