A multi-agency operation against street drinking and littering took place last week in Grays Town Centre.

Thurrock Council’s environmental enforcement officers were joined by officers from Essex Police to tackle issues which affect residents and businesses in the area.

In April, Thurrock Council implemented a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in and around Grays Town Centre to deal with anti-social behaviour linked to street drinking.

During the operation, eight street drinkers were given formal warnings to cease drinking and surrender their alcohol. They must also stay outside the PSPO zone for 48 hours.

Officers visited 14 businesses to ensure they have the correct trade waste arrangements in place.

Nine businesses have 14 days to produce the documentation or face a £300 fine and prosecution.

Three Fixed Penalty Notices were also issued for littering and a group fly-posting was stopped in the act.

Rob Gledhill, Leader of the Council, attended the operation. Afterwards he said: “We are all sick and tired of selfish people spoiling Grays, which is why we are working with partners to take tough and robust action.

“We will continue doing these unannounced enforcement days to make sure Grays Town Centre is a safe and enjoyable place to visit.

"Officers have spoken to the off-licences to remind them about selling alcohol to those who are intoxicated as well as asking our drug and alcohol team to try engage with the street drinkers to see if they will accept help.

“This is on top of deploying new enforcement officers and making the PSPO easier to enforce.

“We all need to have a zero tolerance approach to people who want to ruin the area and intimidate others – and we will use every power available to us to stop that from happening.”

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