NORTH Essex is the first region in the county to get money to tackle terrorism and radical groups.

Colchester and Tendring will benefit from a £31,000 Government grant to strengthen diverse communities.

The North East Essex Partnership will use the money to improve and develop relationships with hard-to-reach groups such as migrant populations and Muslim communities.

Half the money will pay for a part-time co-ordinator for the project. The rest of the cash will be spent on multi-faith groups and agencies learning to spot terrorist activity, as well as strengthening ties with religious leaders, and setting up groups for young Muslims.

Supt Jason Gwillim, from Essex Police, said: “It is imperative to work in partnership to prevent radical ideology and terrorist activity by putting community cohesion and understanding at the centre of our work.

“I am pleased Tendring and Colchester have jointly secured Government funding for such an important project.”

The funding is part of the Government’s Prevent strategy, which aims to address the causes of terrorism and radicalisation.

All crime and disorder reduction partnerships in the county had the opportunity to apply for the funding.

Only the Colchester and Tendring bid, which pointed to Colchester’s univeristy and Army Garrison, was successful.

Funders said the bid’s success was down to the close and successful working partnership that is already in place.

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for street and waste services, said: “Our app-roach to the Prevent agenda is clearly focused on improving our already excellent community relations, recognising community tensions, and promoting tolerance and understanding of various faiths and beliefs.

“At the same time, the partnership needs to recognise that very rarely, some people may have, or promote, radical ideology that can undermine community cohesion.”