MALDON residents have been invited to take part in an online public meeting where they can ask questions about how the district is being policed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members of the public can post their questions live to Roger Hirst, the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) during the live Facebook session running from 7pm to 8pm on Monday, 2 November.

The question and answer virtual get-together will be chaired by Jane Gardner, Deputy PFFC. Mr Hirst will be joined on the panel by Chief Inspector Steve Scott-Haynes, Spencer Clarke, Maldon Community Safety Manager and a senior representative from Essex Fire and Rescue Service, yet to be named.

Mr Hirst said: "Our online public meetings are a great way to hear directly from local communities about concerns they might have and areas of activity that are in place and working well, especially as many people have questions about the policing of coronavirus legislation and how our emergency services are working hard to keep them safe during this pandemic.

"The meetings are also a great opportunity for me to brief residents on how we are working together with a range of partners to achieve the priorities in both our Police and Crime Plan and Fire and Rescue Plan.

"There are updates on how we are delivering the funding for more police officers, helping those suffering from domestic abuse, protecting vulnerable people and tackling gangs and serious violence. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are carrying out excellent prevention work across the area which is really useful for residents to find out more about."

Residents can watch live via Facebook on the night and post questions in the comments, or submit questions in advance by emailing them to the PFCC email address here.