IN the wake of considerable local concern, with the matter raised by local councillors and at the area's residents' community forum, Thurrock Police have launched an operation in Corringham in the hope of tackling anti-social behaviour.

And the force has already reported some success from 'Operation Joseph' with the seizure of an uninsured vehicle and pusuit and apprehension of a man, who was subsequently found to be in possession of cannabis.

Corringham, Fobbing and Homesteads Community Forum chair Cllr Roy Jones, who represented Stanford East and Corringham Town, says the initaive is a welcome one.

He says: "Problems in Corringham have repeatedly been aired at the forum, with a number of residents highlighting issues and things that they believe could be addressed better by the police.

"To their credit, representatives of the police including loically-placed officers, have not shied away from our meetings and have listened to residents, most notably divisional commander Chief Insp Anthony Atkin at our last meeting.

"The message appears to have got across and we look forward to seeing the outcome of this initiative."

Among those most concerned has been Homesteads ward councillor Gary Byrne, who has repeatedly quizzed senior officers, and Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst and the lack of policing visibility in the town.

He told Thurrock Nub News: "I have been trying to get a positive response from the police following repeated concerns expressed to me personally by residents, shoppers in the centre of Corringham and visitors to the town. It's also been repeatedly raised at the forum - and on local social media.

"It has been somewhat frustrating as I don't believe that police have given full recognition to the depth of people's concern.

"I am pleased to say I have been told this is a new operation being run by the community policing team to tackle on-going tensions in Corringham. In my view it is much needed and I am sure myself and businesses and resdients in the town centre will be watching to see what impact it makes."

In a statement Thurrock's Police say: "On Monday, 7 October, officers from the Thurrock Community Policing Team conducted patrols in the Corringham area.

"We have been conducting specific patrols in Corringham, around the town centre and nearby areas in a bid to disrupt any potential ASB (Anti Social Behaviour) after recent reports of this issue.

"While in the area, officers discovered a vehicle being driven without insurance. The officers stopped the silver Ford in The Sorrells and the vehicle was subsequently seized.

"Shortly after this, as the officers were patrolling the town centre, their attention was drawn to a suspicious person loitering in the alleyway next to the library.

"As they approached the man, he fled and officers were led into a foot chase, albeit a very brief one. The man was detained, searched and found to be in possession of cannabis.

"The cannabis was seized and the offender was dealt with."