EFFORTS to crack down on street drinking and begging in Southend High Street with a new multi-agency approach will continue throughout the year after initial successes.

Southend community policing team (CPT) has been carrying out patrols with a dozen other agencies to help homeless people and reduce anti-social behaviour.

During March, officers have been assisting charities and services to approach homeless people and offer information about the support that is available to them for housing, health and other support services.

The agencies involved are: Southend Council; Southend Homeless Action Network (SHAN); Southend Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS); Job Centre; Department for work and pensions; Southend Business Improvements District (BID); Homeless Street Hub; Southend Multi Agency ASB Team (SMAART); Family Mosaic; Street Spirit; Southend Store House and HARP.

Due to the “positive outcomes” of these patrols, Southend CPT are continuing the operation on a monthly basis throughout 2017.

Sgt Ian Hughes, of Southend CPT, said: "Community policing partnership work like this is an important part of ensuring the safety of the more vulnerable members of the public, as well as showing our support to local businesses and service providers.

"We recognise the importance of working successfully with local partner agencies so we can signpost people in our community in the right direction. We’re pleased with the positive outcome from this community work and aim to continue the progression throughout the rest of the year.”