£1MILLION will be spent by Thurrock Council on extra police officers to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough.

Rob Gledhill, leader of Thurrock Council, said the officers would be introduced over the next three years.

He said: “This funding will mean that an eight strong team of Essex Police officers will operate from the council offices tackling issues not just in Grays but right across the borough.

“This includes spending £1 million with Essex Police over three years for extra Police officers over and above the 15 new officers Essex Police have already committed for Thurrock through the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners Council Tax precept increase in 2018/19."

Mr Gledhill said the officers will focus on tackling anti-social behaviour and provide an increased visible police presence in the borough.

He said the funding had been made possible as over the last three years Thurrock Council had been running service reviews and an "investment strategy" which has now led to one off budget surpluses over the next four years.

But was no more specific than that.

He added: "This has allowed us to look to enhance services we know are important to our residents.

"These officers will focus on tackling anti-social behaviour and provide an increased visible police presence in the borough addressing our Community Safety Partnership objectives.

“This funding will mean that an eight strong team of Essex Police officers will operate from the Council Offices tackling issues not just in Grays but right across the borough.”