EXTRA police patrols have been lined up to help crackdown on anti-social behaviour and nuisance vehicles.

More officers will be patrolling Brightlingsea until New Year after the town council and Tendring Council came together to fund the initiative.

Sgt Simon Tattersall of Clacton's Local Policing Team said the scheme would mostly involved foot patrols.

He said: “We have listened to concerns from members of Brightlingsea’s community and we have acted.

"By working closely with our partners we have been able to increase our patrols in the town right through the festive period.

“These patrols will be made up of officers working extra shifts, rather than being taken away from usual duties in the county.

“I would like to thank both Brightlingsea Town Council and Tendring Council for their funding and partnership working.

"I would also like to thank the community for their support.

"Remember, if you see us in the area, please come say hello, approach us and talk to us, we are here to listen.”

Tendring Council's cabinet member for partnerships Lynda McWilliams said: “Essex Police was keen to put on additional high visibility patrols and by working together with Brightlingsea Town Council, I am delighted we are able to support this operation.

“Although crime has fallen in the town we understand the concerns of residents and businesses, who would like to see more feet on the street, and it is therefore great we can help provide this reassurance.”

Brightlingsea mayor Ben Smith added: "The operation is a great way to increase police visibility in Brightlingsea and it will hopefully help reduce crime in the local area.

"The town council was more than happy to contribute to this operation financially and we will evaluate it once it concludes with the view of repeating it at a suitable time in the future."