Crime and antisocial behaviour have been slashed by 12 per cent since Southend became one of the Government's 40 Respect action areas a year ago.

During a visit, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell was told of a series of initiatives launched in the town as part of the Respect agenda.

More than £6million has been made available to split between the 40 towns like Southend confirmed in the next wave of Respect areas which aim to restore pride in local communities.

Supt Maurice Mason, of Southend police, said: "Southend was recently identified as the safest large town in the United Kingdom.

"Since April 2006, we have seen a 12 per cent reduction in crime and we are now bringing more offenders to justice than ever before."

Simon Ford, manager of Southend's crime and disorder reduction partnership, said: "We have had considerable successes in the past year."

He pointed to the success of the Shoebury Art Wall, which allows youngsters to spray graffiti in a designated area.

A month-long project in September 2006 was also launched aimed at tackling criminal damage in Shoebury.

We also saw great success during a month-long project in September 2006 aimed at tackling criminal damage in Shoebury.

Campaigning residents joined councillors to wipe out graffiti in the area.

An early intervention project, which gives needy families help in their own homes to stop youngsters getting into trouble, has also been introduced.

At the heart of the project is restoring pride in the community and respect for one another, Mr Ford said.

He added: "We have communities working together and fighting against the very real fears many people have.

"In St Luke's ward for instance, there was an evening carol service for the first time in many years.

"Police have also been busy in the area handing out lights to young cyclists so not only will other people be able to see them at night but everyone will also feel safer."

Mr Ford said the latest initiative to be launched was the evening economy group which had representatives of pubs and clubs on it to work together to cut down on problems late at night in the town.

He said: "We are working towards making the High Street a much safer place so people no longer feel frightened to go out in the town centre after dark.

"The latest intiative there is the use of portable urinals in the High Street and town centre at night over the weekend which has been very well received by young people using the pubs and clubs."

Carol Compton, of Southend's youth offending service, added: "For young people to respect their community, they need to feel part of it.

"In Southend, we have worked hard to bridge the generation gap, bringing young and old together to tackle issues which affect their neighbourhoods."

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Talking CCTV cameras could come to Southend High Street, it has been revealed.

More cash is likely to be handed to Southend Council and Essex Police as part of the Respect initiative.

New cameras - which tell people they are being watched - could be introduced as a deterrent against crime in the High Street.

Simon Ford, the town's crime and reduction partnership manager, said: "I would love to see this initiative which has been used in some areas and has had an impact in reducing offences such as vandalism and graffiti.

"The fact people are told they are being watched has much more of an impact than when they are just photographed.

"I am hoping we will be able to obtain sufficient money from the Government to turn this into a reality."

Mr Ford said the aim of the Respect scheme was for anti-social behaviour to tackled.

He added: "If successful, this would have the effect of saving the town money in other areas such as the cleaning up of graffiti and litter."

Supt Maurice Mason, of Southend police, said he was delighted the town would be receiving financial support from the Respect scheme. He added: "I would hope part of this can be used to really focus some policing resources on community based projects."

Anne McGinley, anti-social behaviour res-ponse team manager, said: "We will be using the funding we receive wisely and will look to involve members of the local community at every stage. All ideas and suggestions will be welcomed and if anyone can think of ways to promote Respect, please get in touch."

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Southend has been awarded £50,000 for a "Supernanny" to help families experiencing problems with their children.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell announced the cash during her visit to the town.

Ms Jowell said the Supernanny would give support to families to get troublesome children back on the straight and narrow.

He or she could intervene to help those who were finding youngsters difficult to control and give help and advice to ensure they do not get into a spiral of crime.

Ms Jowell added: "There are times when many parents can feel out of their depth and this is a way in which they and their children can be helped before problems get too difficult.

"It can be difficult for both families and single parents to cope and help and advice can make all the difference at an early stage when problems start to arise.

"There are times people do not know where they can go for this at the moment."

Ms Jowell arrived in the town to launch the project with a balloon launch by the ice rink at Victoria Circus, with entertainment provided by performing arts students from South East Essex College.

She then went to the new college building where she chatted to community representatives, councillors and children from Cecil Jones School in Eastern Avenue.

Ms Jowell said: "Ministers are visiting all the 40 new action areas and I have been lucky enough to come to Southend."

She added Southend Council and Essex Police had achieved a great deal by working together.

She said there would be additional funding for extra parental support as well as the Supernanny who would be working with families experiencing the greatest difficulties.

Ms Jowell said: "What I have learnt from those I have talked to is that there are many initiatives in Southend which do not have to cost a lot of money. In many ways, it is support which helps to create the environment where crime and anti social behaviour is reduced.

"I have been listening to what people have been saying about the success which has been achieved in Southend in recent months.

"I appreciate there is always a need for more money but I hope the measures we have announced will help to continue the work of Respect in Southend."

Ms Jowell said she had been impressed by the youngsters from Cecil Jones School.