COUNCILLORS have been reassured by police bosses Colchester town centre is still a safe place to socialise despite a number of concerning incidents including a brawl where bottles were thrown and a screwdriver stabbing.

Police, fire and crime commissioner Roger Hirst met with Colchester Council members after fears were raised about the safety of the town centre.

Police were forced to introduce a 48-hour dispersal order across the whole of the town centre last month after a large scale brawl broke out outside popular nightspot Atik in Colchester High Street.

The fight began when one person had been asked to leave the club but lingered until closing time when hundreds of people were spilling out onto the surrounding streets.

Passersby then threw food, drink and glass bottles into the fracas.

In the early hours of last Sunday, a man was hospitalised after being stabbed in the stomach with a screwdriver.

But Mr Hirst said despite the incidents, police were doing positive work to crackdown on minor crimes which can then lead to more serious incidents.

He said: “The meeting this week was extremely positive and police were able to outline the productive work they are doing with partners in both the public and private sector to tackle some of the anti-social behaviour that can lead to more serious disturbances.

“Colchester has a busy and vibrant night time economy but it is important that we all work together so that everybody feels safe, enjoys themselves and that businesses thrive.”

Mr Hirst added: “I appreciate that people do feel concerned but please be reassured that there is a lot of great work going on with partners working together.”

District commander Chief Insp Shaun Kane said booze-fuelled nights out always had the potential to spark disorder but insisted the town centre is a safe place.

He said: “My officers are out in the town every Friday and Saturday night helping to keep people safe and cracking down on any anti-social behaviour which may be linked to drink or drug taking.

“My licensing officer is extremely proactive and we have been building on the success of Pub Watch and the Behave of Be Banned schemes.

Colchester Council leader Paul Smith said: “This was an extremely useful meeting – one which served to restate just how crucial it is that we continue to work closely with the police and the wider coalition of community safety partners.

“This is the best way to ensure we remain on the front foot to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour whenever and wherever it arises in the borough.”