A child decided to clean up drugs around a playground after being told no police officers were available.

The 13-year-old found cannabis and other drug paraphernalia in the Spa Road play area.

He rightly called the 101 non emergency number and, after waiting 30 minutes to speak to someone, was told no officers were available.

As a result of incidents such as this, and others, councillors are working on ways to improve the police presence in Witham.

After calling the police, on September 4, the youngster was told he could dispose of it himself and then took it upon himself to clear everything away using gloves, with the reassurance he would not be arrested if found doing so.

Town councillor Lorne Campbell, who was attested as a special constable on August 22, recognises there is a need for police support.

He said: “Certainly from my perspective there are challenges with resources and that’s a challenge we need to meet.

“It’s great he did something, but that should not be his job, it’s for adults to deal with.

“Unfortunately police did not have the resources that time and that’s why we are working to recruit special constables.

“We are looking for an active base in Witham to support from, so they won’t be tied up going to Braintree getting changed, setting up and coming back again.”

Braintree and Witham Times:

Cllr Campbell has so far completed three duties, two of which were in Witham, to provide a visible presence in the town.

Ward councillor Thomas Pleasance said: “It’s normally a quiet area regarding that sort of behaviour, “Witham is trying to recruit five special constables. We do have one already, and are working with the superintendent to do that.

“We are trying and working to combat this type of behaviour.”

Chief Inspector Craig Carrington said: "What this young man did was very public spirited and well done to him for taking it away and disposing of it.

"We are looking to target antisocial behaviour with our partners."

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.