COUNCIL workers who were among the first organisations to get powers under a police accreditation scheme have been praised for their efforts to tackle issues on the streets of Tendring.

Tendring Council has 32 employees who can give out fixed penalty notices for offences such as anti-social behaviour, dog fouling, graffiti and littering.

Under the powers they are also able to demand people’s names and addresses and get full back-up from the police.

The officers carry an identification card which will also give details of the exact powers they have been granted.

Tendring Council was one of the very first organisations to join the Police Community Accreditation Scheme and it has now received a plaque to mark ten years membership.

The council has the second highest number of officers accredited of any local authority in Essex, only behind Chelmsford City Council.

Divisional Commander Russ Cole presented the plaque to council chief executive Ian Davidson and Lynda McWilliams, cabinet member for leisure and partnerships.

“Tendring started with five staff accredited and you now have 32 which is an important extra resource that can be called upon,” he said.

“Whenever we pick up the phone we can be sure that we can rely on your support and that works both ways.”

Mrs McWilliams said that partnership working is even more important to the community in difficult financial times and the scheme is a perfect example of that.

“Tendring Council's accredited staff can now play a much bigger part in taking action over a number of incidents which helps to improve our residents’ quality of life,” she added.