COLCHESTER’S New Town centre police supremo says a change in structure gives his officers more scope to solve problems.

Insp Jim White, 41, has taken on the new role in charge of Colchester’s central neighbourhood policing group following a shake-up in Essex Police’s eastern division.

The new structure has seen the creation of larger response squads covering emergencies, leaving his team free to focus on problem-solving.

One issue his officers are already tackling is boozing in the High Street. Insp White said: “We have had a campaign of enforcement against street drinkers since January 24, which has seen robust enforcement of legislation.

“There is already a dispersal order for the town, but now we can respond to incidents and enforce that. We have virtually eradicated the problem in the High Street.”

Mr White will be responsible for policing in the town centre, plus Christchurch, New Town, Harbour and Berechurch, Shrub End, Lexden, Rowhedge and Stanway.

He said he would be keeping a firm grip on the night-time economy by tackling anti-social behaviour and rowdy revellers.

The police chief will also focus on tackling the spate of house burglaries in New Town and Blackheath.

He added that he would be competing with Basildon and Southend for a bigger share of resources, such as the dog and mounted units, the tactical support team, automatic number plate recognition units and plain clothes officers.

Mr White said: “The main thrust for my team will be looking at community safety and with my background in that area, I will be looking at working closely with partners such as the NHS and councils.

“At the moment, one of the main problems has been burglaries in New Town and Blackheath.

“By working with our partners I will look to have more street cleaning, graffiti removal and education welfare officers in those areas and make people aware of what is happening.”

“I want to take robust action against anti-social behaviour. But we need to work with our partners as we are a small team and can’t do it all ourselves.”

Mr White, who has been in the force for 19 years, started as a PC in Saffron Walden and worked in Harlow and Braintree before serving as a sergeant in Chelmsford and Maldon and later as an inspector with a response team in Colchester.