COLCHESTER’S district commander has pledged to ramp up patrols in the city centre while hitting back at a perceived lack of visibility.

Chief Insp Colin Cox said hotspot policing tactics have seen 15 minute patrols carried out on foot daily in Cowdray Avenue and the Greenstead estate.

It came as New Town and Christ Church councillor Sam McLean urged him to increase officers’ presence in the city centre.

Mr Cox said: “We have the Op Grip areas. They are patrolled daily and they’re in the city centre.

Gazette: Visibility - the Greenstead estate receives daily targeted patrols by the policeVisibility - the Greenstead estate receives daily targeted patrols by the police (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s not like we’re not in the city centre, we can just make it better.”

He continued: “The city centre team have a role to play here. They have got a dedicated, ring-fenced area.”

Mr Cox said officers meet “regularly” with Colchester Council’s street wardens to discuss issues faced by frontline staff.

But he pledged to ensure those at the upper echelons of the police and council are briefed on all incidents.

“I would like to see the leadership get together to discuss what we want from our own staff,” said the district commander.

“[We need to hear] what the officers and the wardens expect to be doing.”