Labour councillors in Thurrock have called on Essex's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to provide Grays will extra police officers for the High Street, which they described as a 'no-go area' after sunset.

Following increasing reports of anti-social behaviour in Grays High Street, local councillors Martin Kerin, Jane Pothecary and Tony Fish wrote a letter to the Essex PFCC, Roger Hirst, to demand action. 

In the letter, it states: "Whilst the High Street is a bustling shopping centre during the day, it is being described by some as a ‘no-go area’ after dark.

"We implore you to provide local policing teams with extra police officers to target problem drinking and intimidating behaviour, with dedicated evening patrols."

Speaking of the letter, Councillor Martin Kerin said: “Grays is a great place to live and is usually very safe. However, I’m worried about the way things are going in the High Street after dark.”

Councillor Jane Pothecary said: “I walk through the High Street in the evening regularly on my way home from work and I can see why people don’t feel very safe.”

Councillor Tony Fish added: “Grays is a great town with great residents and businesses. We want to make sure that our High Street lives up to expectations of all who reside and work in Grays.”