MEMBERS of Neighbourhood Watch groups and other organisations connected with community have expressed concern about potential cuts to the support they receive from Thurrock Council and Essex Police.

Representatives contacted Thurrock Nub News to share fears after they were advised Essex Police is cutting the three county-wide Neighbourhood Watch liaison posts. There is even trepidation that the whole Neighbourhood Watch scheme may crumble without effective support.

Comment from the police and council after Thurrock Nub News raised those concerns has been delayed and limited, however both have now confirmed change is afoot.

A statement from the police says: "Owing to the financial challenges currently faced by Essex Police, which have been publicly discussed by our Chief Constable, a number of police staff are still subject to ongoing consultation and it would be wrong to expand on the detail of this any further out of respect for all involved and of course we must follow appropriate HR processes."

Meanwhile Thurrock Council's cabinet, recently confirmed a restructure of its local community safety provision.

Neighbourhood Watch has built up a stroing local profile in some borough communities including Aveley.

A statement this week says: "The Thurrock Community Safety Partnership (TCSP) is a statutory function. Proposals to improve the function by integrating areas across the council, adding resilience and accountability, were approved by Cabinet on 22 January, 2025. A link to that agenda is here Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025, 7.00 pm | Thurrock Council.

"Thurrock Council will continue to work with its community safety partners, community organisations and local communities to help keep the borough and its residents safe." 

Cuts to staffing in Thurrock have been confirmed, and they include at least one high profile local name who has been at the forefront of community safety for a number of years and has personally led on the building of local teams.

Members of Neighbourhood Watch teams are aware of that officer's departure and it has been publicly discussed. Indeed, Nub News understand the officer has shared the news personally.

However, the council wishes to keep it a private matter and in a message to Nub News it says: "We trust that you do not intend to use any officer's names in a published article. This is a private matter relating to someone's employment and there is no public interest in naming that person in any news report as their name is not relevant to the subject you are asking about."