Uniformed community safety officers will soon pound the streets acting as the eyes and ears of the police to combat anti-social behaviour.

Insp Andrew Parkman, of Rayleigh police, said: "Their primary role will be to provide a high profile uniform presence to reassure people.

"The force is looking to recruit 80 police community safety officers across Essex but this does depend on how many applications we have.

"Their focus will be on low level nuisance and community type problems."

Councillor Lionel Hart welcomed the news and said the introduction of the officers represented a positive step to making Castle Point a safer place.

Southend is also set to get community safety officers when the scheme is introduced in October. The officers will work with the town's borough patrol.

Published Monday, June 23, 2003

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