A Southend MP has welcomed tougher powers in anti-social behaviour after it was announced by the Prime Minister.

Rishi Sunak revealed his £160million plans which inclue banning laughing gas and tougher rules on flytipping and vandalism.

Anna Firth Tory MP for Southend West said: "I am delighted that the Prime Minister is taking a tough new stance on anti-social behaviour.

 

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"This is a blight on our communities which no-one in Southend or Leigh should have to put up with. The new action plan will help make the lives of everyone who lives in or visits our brilliant new city safer.

"I particularly welcome the announcement that nitrous oxide is being banned. This drug is an absolute menace and has caused havoc in our local community, as well as seriously damaging the health of our young people, and I have been campaigning hard to get it banned.

"I am glad that the that the Home Secretary has listened to me, our local Conservative Councillors and Essex Police and is taking real action ahead of the summer.

"I am thrilled that Essex has been chosen as one of the new hotspot trailblazer areas, following on from the extremely successful Operation Union, piloted by Southend Police, which saw a huge drop in anti-social behaviour.

"I also welcome the strict new measures being introduced to tackle graffiti and fly-tipping, which has been a real problem in Southend West, especially in Westborough.”