Maldon District Council and Essex Police have established a new Community Safety Hub within the Maldon District Council Offices.

The initiative, officially launched on February 17, marks a major enhancement in joint working between the two organisations.

It comes as part of an aim to provide a more integrated and effective response to the safety concerns of residents. 

The co-location of the Council's Community Safety team and Essex Police officers in the new hub is designed to foster closer collaboration, streamline communication, and facilitate a more coordinated approach to addressing community safety issues.

By working side by side, the teams hope to be better equipped to respond swiftly to emerging challenges and ensure that resources are deployed efficiently where they are needed most. 

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "The establishment of the Community Safety Hub is a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.

"By working more closely with Essex Police, we can address issues more promptly and effectively, providing a safer environment for everyone in the district." 

Chief Inspector Paul Ballard of Essex Police added: "This co-location is a positive step towards enhancing our partnership with Maldon District Council. The Community Safety Hub will allow us to share information more effectively and work together in real time to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. 

"Maldon is one of the safest parts of the county with crime is down across the district and people here are a third less likely to be impacted by crime than the force average. I am confident this facility will help us reduce it further." 

The Community Safety Hub is part of a broader strategy by both Maldon District Council and Essex Police to improve community engagement and ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

The hub will also be home to staff from the South Essex Parking Partnership and will also be used by other partner agencies to support local work within the District. 

For more information about the Community Safety Hub or to report a concern, please contact Maldon District Council here or Essex Police here.