A teacher and lifelong Leigh resident has signed up as a volunteer policeman to help curb rising anti-social behaviour and crime in the seaside town.

William Imbush has become Leigh’s first Community Special Constable – a volunteer police officer.

A teacher by profession, William says he is “thrilled” to being taking up the role.

“I have lived here for most of my life and I take pride in being part of the town,” he added.

“The community spirit and culture has always stood out. I have taken on this role to ensure that Leigh-on-Sea continues to have a visible police presence to ensure it keeps the reputation of being a safe and friendly town.”

In recent months Leigh has seen a rise in anti-social and violent incidents.

Just last night (July 21), officers were scrambled to a disturbance near The Peterboat on the High Street where a 24-year-old woman was arrested.

In March and May of this year Essex Police was forced to issue dispersal orders as Old Leigh was beset with gang fights, drug dealing, antisocial behaviour and reports of drunken youths causing mayhem.

“Over the last few months there have been some issues in Leigh and Old Leigh with anti-social behaviour and violent crime, which has been caused by a small minority of people spoiling the area for the wider community,” said Southend district commander Chief Inspector Ian Hughes.

“Neither we nor residents and our partners will tolerate this and we’ve been working together as a community to take action against troublemakers and criminals.”

Special Constable Imbush is sponsored by Leigh-on-Sea Town Council who fund all the expenses incurred for duties performed.

Town council clerk Helen Symmons said she was “delighted” to welcome the town’s first Special Constable and confirmed a second was currently in training.

She added: “The council will be giving William as much support as possible to help him start building community relationships and understand local issues ready for when he officially starts his role.”