WITHAM MP Priti Patel met Essex Police’s new north local area commander to discuss policing issues and priorities.

Ms Patel met with Chief Supt Claire Talbot in Witham, shortly after she took up her new role.

The pair talked about the main policing issues and priorities in the area, with a focus on burglaries and anti-social behaviour.

Ms Patel also suggested various organisations that would benefit from closer cooperation with Essex Police.

Chief Supt Talbot said: “It was a pleasure to meet Priti and talk through my plans and priorities. Her support and encouragement are much appreciated.

“In the interests of effective policing, it is important for my team and I to work closely with key stakeholders in the local community.”

Ms Patel added: “It was a very useful meeting, and I am pleased that we were able to get together so soon after Chief Supt Talbot’s appointment.

“It is important for my constituency office to liaise closely with Essex Police, and I am sure that will happen even more effectively in the future.”

Ms Patel also met with a charity dedicated to tackling damage caused by traumatic childhoods.

She responded to a constituent’s request by holding a meeting with Alex Williamson, of the Wave Trust, to find out about its campaign to reduce trauma in childhood.

The constituent had suffered from such experiences, leading to life-long mental health issues and he has had extensive support from the Wave Trust.

During the meeting in Witham, Ms Patel heard about the trust’s 70/30 campaign, which aims to reduce trauma in childhood by 70 per cent by 2030. She said: “The Wave Trust is doing excellent work and I am more than happy to lend them my support.”