RESIDENTS and visitors in Clacton have been given advice on how to keep safe over the summer season.

Members of the Community Safety Partnership spent Monday morning in Clacton town centre to hand out leaflets on crime prevention, cold callers and scams, victims of crime, fire prevention and much more.

The Tendring Dog Watch Scheme signed up 20 new members, along with the Neighbourhood Watch also increasing their membership.

Essex Police officers encouraged shoppers to sign up as Active Citizens and to subscribe to their Essex Community Messaging Service, while Essex Trading Standards had advice on preventing rogue traders.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was on hand to give advice on smoke alarms, as well as taking referrals from those without working smoke alarms.

Younger shoppers also got the chance to meet with fire crews and look round a fire engine.

A number of charities were also on board with Victim Support and Catch 22 supporting people that have been or are likely to be a victim of crime, and Openroad with advice and guidance on substance misuse.

Officers from Tendring Council’s licensing team continued to promote their Reducing the Strength campaign, which is about traders selling low cost super strength alcohol, and advice was given on selling alcohol to those already inebriated.

Lynda McWilliams, cabinet member for leisure and partnerships, said the morning was a good opportunity to explore the many partners and their areas of work.

“Shoppers had a wealth of information on hand and I hope that many of them will be inspired to sign up to some of the schemes available to help all residents stay safe this summer.”

“Tendring Council is committed to keeping communities safe, and we want our residents and local traders to lead happy and safe lives,” she added.

The council's safer communities manager, Leanne Thornton, coordinated the event for the benefit of residents and local traders, and also produced a booklet on staying safe with useful hints and tips, and contacts for services.

Copies of the booklet are available from Clacton Town Hall.