A long-awaited steps to open a community safety centre on Wickford High Street have been confirmed, with a policing kiosk set to open soon.
The Wickford Business Improvement District (BID) has announced work to open the venue at The Willows will begin soon, bringing together street rangers in partnership with Essex Police's neighbourhood policing teams to liaise with businesses to tackle targeted crime in the area.
The announcement comes alongside a raft of support provided to tackle crime in Wickford by Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst in September last year, with £294,000 ringfenced to bolster the Local Safer Streets campaign with CCTV and visible policing.
The Wickford BID said further updates relating to the new policing centre would be coming soon, as the group brings on board other community groups and programmes to bolster community safety.
A spokesperson for Wickford BID said: "Wickford BID have been working very hard to secure this venue for Essex Police, The BID rangers and other community organisations to bring their services to the Town.
"Located in kiosk two in the Willows Centre Wickford - next to the post office - you will be able to speak with local officers and policing teams offering advice and assistance.
"Other charities and community groups will also benefit from the use of this space in time."