AN event held in Grays yesterday (19 August) launched the start of £625,000 in new safety initiatives set to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre, provided by Government Safer Streets funding.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "A great deal of work is set to take place to help make Grays High Street safer thanks to £432,000 government funding secured by a joint bid we made along with the Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner. This has been bolstered by an additional £193,000 in match funding, bringing the total available to £625,000.

"This event was an opportunity to let residents know that there are changes coming which will improve the high street for them and the businesses which operate there.

"Thanks to this funding we will be able to provide even better lighting in the streets, update and improve our CCTV equipment, create a 'shop safe' communication system for shops and fund two dedicated Grays Town community engagement officers to prevent anti-social behaviour and enforce the Public Space Protection Order that prevents street drinking, littering and spitting in the town centre.

"This funding is on top of the £1 million we have provided to help fund Town Centre Police Teams across the borough.

"Grays is also set for significant investment thanks to nearly £20 million from the government's Towns Fund and tens of millions more being invested by businesses in the Town and the Safer Streets funding will help us make Grays safer and boost the town's night-time economy."

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour and crime is important to all of us and it is great to mark the beginning of what will be a period of significant investment in Grays High Street.

"The activity planned as a result of the extra funding will go towards activity and investments that will reduce crime by preventing robberies and thefts taking place on the streets, deterring criminal behaviour and improving the feeling of safety for everyone in the community, particularly women, who may be feeling vulnerable.

"Securing this funding has been a significant achievement and is a recognition of the hard work undertaken by Thurrock Council and local partners to put together a strong programme of activity that will make a big difference to the local community."