THE county’s police boss has admitted Southend needs more officers after visiting the town with community leaders.

Roger Hirst, the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex (PFCC), was out in Southend High Street to see what the council and policing teams are facing first hand.

At a recent full meeting of Southend Council, political parties passed a motion calling for more officers to help tackle a spate of violent crime across the borough.

Council Leader John Lamb met the PFCC to discuss what could be done to improve the public’s perception of how safe the area is. James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, was also in attendance along with Conservative councillor James Moyies.

Mr Lamb said: “We’re meeting with Roger because we put forward a notice of motion at full council. Roger knows we’re pleased that we’ve got the additional police officers coming in.

“But what we feel is that it’s not sufficient. The numbers that come down mean we need police coming through.”

Mr Hirst said that Southend has received one of the largest increases in new officers, who will start next year.

He added: “Reported crime is up by about 6 per cent here compared to 12 per cent in the county as a whole and about 13 per cent nationally, so Southend is actually pretty good.

“We do recognise the transit population and incomers over the summer so the chief constable certainly commits a large team to Southend.

“You have about the biggest team in any district in the county and the increase in officers is one of the largest.

“But John is right to say it’s not enough but we have to do it within what we can afford and get delivered on the ground.

“It’s stage one in a long process.

“We will need to invest in technology and get out there - being mobile, visible and accessible - but we will also need to hire more as well.”

A task and finish group has been launched - made up of the police, council members and business leaders - which is charged with coming up with the ideas on how to make the town feel safer.

James Moyies warned “there is only so much” which can be done tackle gang culture.