Fears that there will be no police officers patrolling Benfleet have been allayed.

A police chief has insisted patrols will continue after concerns by some residents that the latest restructuring of the Rayleigh division would mean Benfleet losing out.

Chief Insp Tony Rayner of Rayleigh division has confirmed that patrols in the area will be ongoing after recent changes meant Benfleet sharing officers with Canvey.

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