More police officers will be back on the beat in the Maldon district in response to calls from residents.

Chief constable Stephen Kavanagh will move 500 officers out of central hubs and specialist teams, such as firearms, public order and road policing, into towns and villages across the county from September.

He said :"I believe the public want policing delivered locally.

"For me it is about locally based, locally accountable, locally led officers, PCSOs and staff delivering across a range of response, investigation and engagement responsibilities."

A recruitment drive has also been launched.