PEOPLE in Essex are willing to pay more to improve levels of policing in the county.

That's according to a recent survey put together by Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

More than 5,000 residents in the district are said to have a responded to the survey and given their thoughts on police budgets.

Nearly two thirds (66%) of respondents said they would be prepared to invest more in policing to help improve the service provided.

A further 75 per cent added they would be willing to pay an extra £10 a year towards policing, while 16 per cent suggested they would be happy to see a £5 increase.

Some 65 per cent of respondents also stated that if the government allowed it, they would be prepared to see the cap on council tax lifted so that more money could be raised for the police.

Mr Hirst said: "It is clear from the results of this survey that people want to see more investment in local policing and that investment should be focussed on local neighbourhood policing, tackling anti-social behaviour, gangs and dealing with serious and organised crime.

"This echoes what I hear at the regular public meetings that I hold in each district across Essex."

"I will be using these results while I look at how we move forward on investing in policing across the country.

"I would like to thank everybody who took the time to complete the survey. Your views on policing are greatly appreciated."