A PIONEERING initiative could see people power take to the streets after police community support officers were axed.

Uniformed volunteers would become “parish safety agents” in a groundbreaking pilot scheme set to be launched this summer in the Manningtree area.

The project is designed to make people feel safe in their homes and look after the vulnerable and elderly.

It would be the first of its kind in the county.

Manningtree councillor Mark Morsley said: "It's got lots of potential.”