CANVEY residents are being urged to volunteer as community special constables - in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour and ongoing issues with crime.

The recruitment process is now officially open, and members of the public are being asked to dedicate 16 hours a month to the cause.

Anti-social behaviour on the island came to a head during Halloween and Bonfire Night - with a large dispersal order put in place as youths were seen congregating and dangerously setting off fireworks.

Despite the town council’s commitment to fund community special constables, Castle Point Council has stated it cannot afford a private security firm to assist with ongoing yob issues.

Ahead of a meeting next Tuesday night, council officers recommended councillors vote against hiring a private security firm, but instead proposed increased security measures - such as CCTV - across the island.

In September, the council agreed to include £5,000 in its budget to fund the new officers - but the specials will only be funded by the council and will be stationed on Canvey.

A spokesman for Canvey Town Council said: “Following the full council meeting, held on Monday, September 3, Canvey Town Council has agreed to fund and approve the recruitment of five community special constables to patrol the streets and assist with anti-social behaviour.

“The recruitment for this is now open and anyone interested in being recruited and trained is asked to contact Essex Police.

“Once recruited and fully trained, the Special Constables will only be funded by the town council when they are stationed on Canvey. Each Special Constable will volunteer a minimum of 16 hours a month once the training is complete.

“To learn more about the scheme please visit the Library where the town council will be having a recruitment stand at the Christmas Light Switch On Event on December1.”

For more information or to sign up visit, essex.police.uk/join-thepolice/special-constabulary/canvey-island-community-special-constables.

Or contact the town clerk on 01268 683965 or clerk@canveyisland-tc.gov.uk.