In the fight against crime, there are no easy solutions. Imagination, even creativity, are needed. Any victory depends on a spectrum of enterprising schemes, many of them quite small scale.

The notion of enlisting street cleaners, currently under assessment by Southend Council and Essex Police, is just such a scheme. Using cleaners as an extra arm of the police on Friday and Saturday nights could bring three distinct benefits.

First, the cleaners could become an extra eye and ear of the law, reporting back to the police on any incidents or troublespots. Secondly, with their big machines, high-visibility jackets, and sense of purpose, street cleaners tend to bring a sort of reassuring presence.

The scheme is worth a trial, at least. It is essential, though, the cleaners remain neutral presences. If they become identified as authority figures they will be dangerously exposed targets. It is fair to recruit them as observers, wholly unfair to expect them to intervene or become the strong arm of the law.

And the third benefit? The streets of Southend would become cleaner and tidier, as well as more law-abiding.

Barking or what?

Animal communicator and TV personality Margrit Coates, claims she can hold two-way conversations with dogs.

She has been filming her chats with pooches on Southend seafront. Anyone, apparently, can learn the art. Some will feel it's worthwhile just to find out what dogs think about Margrit Coates. Their opening line is easily guessed. "Don't believe a word that woman says. Dogs can't talk."