HUNDREDS of thousands have been allocated to Halstead in an ongoing effort to tackle antisocial behaviour in the town.
Various areas across the town are to receive a cash boost to help combat ongoing resident concerns, with Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst saying the aim is to "help people feel safer".
In Halstead, the Safer Streets project has secured £300,223 Government Safer Streets plus £150,171 match funding from Braintree Council, Halstead Town Council and Community Safety Partnerships.
The project will help areas including Ramsey Road, Mount Hill, Chapel Hill, Trinity Road, Halstead High Street, Butler Road and Bridge Street.
It is the second round of funding to come to the Braintree district, with Safer Streets project investment already coming in Witham last year.
The funds come as part of almost £1million of funding going to three Essex locations, with Colchester and Basildon also set to benefit.
"People want to be able to go out and enjoy their lives, free from the fear of crime", Mr Hirst said.
"Nobody wants to be the victim of crime and we are working hard together across Essex to get crime down, tackle antisocial behaviour, protect the vulnerable and support victims."
The funding will support targeted community projects to tackle neighbourhood crime, such as burglary, robbery, theft and vehicle theft, as well as reducing violence against women and girls.
Each project includes a range of activities to improve the physical environment, promote community involvement, and create safer spaces.
This includes investment in redesigning walkways, lighting and CCTV as well as strengthening community engagement including engagement with schools, young people and businesses.
The projects are designed to increase feelings of safety and community ownership, increase community cohesion, increase community trust in police and local government.
Braintree Council communities boss Mary Cunningham said: “Following our successful bid for Witham last year, it is excellent news that we will be able to run a second Safer Streets project in Halstead.
“I know antisocial behaviour has been raised by some residents in Halstead and this funding will allow us to provide a number of measures to help residents feel safer.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here