A high-ranking officer was on patrol in Southend this weekend to deal with anti-social behaviour that had plagued the seaside town in recent months.

Essex Police’s Superintendent Michelle Davies spoke with to residents, businesses and visitors to the seafront.

From 9pm – 8am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday traffic was banned from the area in a bid to address spiralling violence and illegal car meets.

The road closures took place from the turnaround point on Western Esplanade, through Marine Parade and ended at the junction of Southchurch Avenue and Eastern Esplanade.

“In the last few weeks, Southend has seen several ASB-related incidents. I wanted to come down this weekend and reassure both businesses and locals that their valid concerns are a priority for me,” Superintendent Davies said.

“That’s why, after listening to them, there are more patrolling officers in the area this weekend. I want to ensure that ASB is robustly dealt with and it does not deter people coming to and enjoying all that Southend has to offer.”

She added: “We are really clear, Southend is open for business but closed to crime.

“I want people to report anything that they see that causes concern and my team will deal with it.”

Essex Police claims a planned car meet Essex on Saturday evening was halted by the seafront road closures.