A MEETING which covered street drinking, drugs, burglaries and police visibility was held for residents last night.

The public meeting was hosted by Essex’s deputy police and crime commissioner Jane Gardner at Sams Hall Community Centre in Clacton.

Jane Gardner, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Residents here and in the surrounding areas have genuine concerns about anti-social behaviour and really want to see more visible policing to give them the reassurance they need.

“Residents want to see someone they can walk up to in the street to talk to when feeling anxious especially when they see street drinkers or drug dealing in their town.

She said that she was pleased have such positive feedback about the Community Safety Hub and the agencies that work together to support the issues raised.

Lads Needs Dads, Open Road and Gangsline are just a few that provide support and resolution and who the community policing team work with.

Key themes discussed at Thursday’s meeting, included street drinking, drug dealing, police visibility, CCTV and 101 reporting and impact on road safety if the casualty unit closes.

Mrs Gardner added: "Getting out and about and talking with different communities across Essex is really important.

“I value the input we get at these meetings, it’s vital we take the time to hear how communities are feeling about policing in their communities.”