SOUTH Essex Homes officials have been given new powers to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Five people who work for the housing association have joined Essex Police’s Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).

It means they will now be able to deal with underage drinking and antisocial behaviour, by taking the names and addresses of those involved.

To be awarded the powers they had to undergo a training and vetting procedure.

Now they will wear a nationally approved badge and hold an identification card, stating their name and confirming the powers they have been granted.

They join nine other officers at South Essex Homes who already have these powers.