WITH the introduction of 135 new police officers in Essex, it seems the thin blue line just got a little bit thicker.

A total of 6,000 are expected to start across the country by the end of 2020/21.

This will bring the total number of police officers serving Essex to more than 3,300.

The news from the Home Office comes as a huge relief after years of budget constraints have meant the response to crimes has been, in some cases, unsatisfactory.

Essex residents have had to pay more through their council tax bills to get numbers to reasonable levels.

All residents want is more police officers in their communities.

With this boost in bobbies, it will hopefully mean we will be safer and our over-stretched officers get the support they deserve.