MALDON has one new Special Sergeant and two new Special Constables, thanks to support from Maldon Town Council.

Special Sergeant Jack Witney, Special Constable Bryan Trigg and Special Constable Liz Edwards are taking up their roles under the Community Special Constable scheme, which is unique to Essex Police.

Under the scheme, the Special Constables are committed to policing the area which pays for them, to help identify and address local issues of concern. However, if a major incident occurs, they may be called on to help in another area of the county.

Maldon Mayor Cllr Abdul Hafiz said: "I am delighted that the police presence in Maldon is shortly to receive a boost. The town council feels that is it important to partner with Essex Police in bringing this added benefit to our town. Their very presence in our town centre will boost residents' confidence and help to deter anti-social behaviour and crime."

Bryan added: "I joined the police family at Maldon 13 years ago and spent at least four years policing the streets on mountain bikes there. This is an opportunity for me to go back to the job I loved in the town."

Special Constables are volunteers who have the same full police powers, uniform and equipment and work alongside their regular colleagues attending and dealing with a wide variety of incidents. Community Special Constables work almost exclusively in their sponsoring parish concentrating on issues specific to that area.

Essex Police Citizens in Policing Commander, Jenny Brouard, said: "I am proud to have three Community Special Constables in Maldon. We are looking forward to working in partnership with the council and I would urge anyone else who specifically wants to help to protect their community and keep people safe from harm to look at the scheme."

Anyone interested can apply to become a Community Special Constable can find more information about the role by visiting the Essex Police website here.