The first of Frinton and Walton's long-awaited police community support officers will be patrolling the streets in less than a month.

That was the assurance from Tendring police boss Chief Supt Dave Hudson.

The delay hit Frinton and Walton council taxpayers who have been contributing to the officers for months and had been promised they would be in place for the summer season.

He admitted: "I share your disappointment they were not here in time for the summer but the good news is they will be here for next summer.

"Everyone I have seen has said what a breath of fresh air they are," he told more than 50 residents who attended a police and community consultation group meeting at Frinton last night.

The first three will start on Monday and, after a four-week training period at Chelmsford, will be out on the streets.

Published Friday, October 1, 2004

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