A GOVERNMENT-FUNDED scheme to improve life in Jaywick has been defended after figures showing the country’s most deprived areas are still hardest hit by crime.

The Conservatives accused the Government of failing the country’s poorest communities.

An analysis of the 32,000 council wards in England showed the 20 most deprived were all in the top ten per cent for crime.

The third most deprived, Golf Green ward in Jaywick, is the 1,303rd worst for crime.

But Acting Chief Inspector Kevan Griggs, of Clacton police, said the Interaction Partnership, set up with £3.8million from the Government four years ago to improve conditions in the Golf Green ward and Clacton’s Pier ward, was having an effect.

He said: “It’s all about working with our partners to improve social conditions in Jaywick.

“It’s not just about hard-nosed policing, we have to look at other things, such as working on a range of social issues.

“We have introduced a dispersal order aimed at reducing crime and antisocial behaviour and have taken out Asbos against people making problems.”

Ivan Henderson, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Clacton, said Government cash had provided neighbourhood wardens and set up the police base. He said: “The biggest thing about Jaywick for the police is gaining the trust of people there.

“A huge effort has been made and they are making strides towards building that trust.”

Mr Henderson added Conservative administrations at Essex County Council and Tendring Council had been responsible for the town for most of the past ten years.

He said: “No one can be proud of the situation in Jaywick. Tendring Council, Essex County Council and the Government all need to get together and sort something out.”

Essex County Council spokes-man Michael Page said: “We are jointly funding a new neighbourhood office with Tendring Council, and the community warden team works alongside Essex Police to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.

“Our message to criminals and those who create misery for their neighbours is a simple one – there is zero tolerance.

“If we can go even further and design-out crime by removing alleyways or using CCTV then we will consider this as well.”