OVERJOYED residents believe they have saved a school police office from closure.

More than 1,000 people signed a petition to keep officers at Temple Sutton Primary School, in Eastern Avenue, South-end, following rumours it was going to close earlier this year.

Now Chief Insp Dave Colwell, Southend district commander, has announ-ced plans to base officers at the site from next March.

He says he cannot give a cast-iron guarantee that it will remain open, but campaigners say it is positive news for the Cluny Square area.

Del Thomas, 30, of Durham Road, Southend, said: “There’s been a lot of antisocial behaviour around here. It’s just been a lot of swearing and a general level of intimidation and drunken behaviour in the street.

“But the level of it has declined since the police station has been based here, because they are immediately able to react as they are just around the corner. So it’s vital to local residents to have the station here.”

David Brannon, 70, who lives in Pantile Avenue, added: “We know Cluny Square is one of the run-down areas of Southend, and it’s just nice to have a police presence. It has helped immensely having the policemen there walking around. It’s a great deterrent for the kids.

“It has improved here and it’s down to the police. I’m glad it looks like we’re keeping them here.”

Peter Ashley, Tory councillor for St Luke’s ward, knocked from door to door to gather signatures for the petition.

He said: “There has been so much support for our petition in keeping the station open and we are thankful to everybody who got involved.”