Southend Council is set to consider writing to the Government and Essex Police for more uniformed officers in Southend to combat a surge in violent crime.

Southend has seen a rise in knife crime and violent disorder in recent weeks, leaving those living in the town centre in fear.

As a result of recent knife attacks in the town centre, which left three young men with stab wounds, Southend Council’s Independent group have put forward a motion to the council calling for it to ask the Government for more police resources.

The motion, which will be considered by the council next week, said: “As a matter of urgency this council calls upon the offices of Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and the Home Secretary to enable the allocation of additional resources for more uniformed front-line officers in Southend.”

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council said: “We have already been on to police saying we need extra policing in the High Street.

“We are getting 12 extra police officers as part of the community policing hub. That’s been agreed. Every councillor will tell you they want more police officers. We are getting 12 but we would like more so we would have to go back to Government for that.”

Keith Kelsey, chairman of the Kursaal Estate Residents Association said: “Crime is out of control. Southend will become a no-go area after a certain time.

“I don’t want to stay in the area. I can’t let my daughter out at night. There’s so much happening in the High Street even during the day now. You expect it at chucking out time for the night clubs but not at at train stations in the day.

Mr Kelsey, 43, of Kilworth Avenue, welcomed the motion. He said: “Anything we can do to get more police resources is welcome. It’s got out of control in the town.” Mums Maggie Kelly, 51, and Wendy Punt, 50, of Shoebury, launched a petition for more bobbies on the beat, after their sons were robbed at knifepoint.