Crime, often drug related, and anti-social behaviour in central Colchester has taken a turn for the worse leaving some residents more afraid to go out.

The recent spate of violent incidents have left the community shaken.

A recent residents' survey by Colchester Green Party revealed much concern about drug related violence, urinating in doorways and even cases of excreta smeared down car windows.

There have been several attempted break-ins around the Eld Lane area and residents have stated repeatedly all of this is putting them off visiting the town centre at night.

No one should have to put up with this; it is causing stress to residents and damaging our local economy.

Unfortunately our police have had their resources limited due to government cuts in funding.

Essex Police have had to cope with 600 fewer officers and 300 fewer Police Community Support Officers since 2010 due to national funding reductions.

As the Chief Constable of Essex Stephen Kavanagh said in August last year: "Cuts have consequences."

Fortunately there are things that can be done and are being done to improve the situation.

I have been calling for the lights to be kept on all night in the Dutch Quarter and Eld Lane areas to deter crime, and this has now been happening .

We need the provision of much more CCTV in the Dutch Quarter and across Colchester to deter anti-social activity.

We must also keep pressing Conservative-run Essex County Council to speed up the repair the nearly 1,000 street lights that are not working across Colchester and to work with rough sleepers' charities to tackle the complex needs of those who have fallen on hard times.

I welcome the news three new PCSOs have been recruited to join central Colchester's "Team Ten", a dedicated team of a PC, four Special Constables, four PCSOs and an anti-social behaviour officer who are patrolling the town centre to tackle the issues.

Ultimately though, cuts do indeed have consequences and the current government have put short term national politics above the safety of local people.

We need councillors in Colchester who are not afraid to say so.

Mark Goacher

Colchester Green Party candidate for Castle Ward

Morant Road, Colchester