Maldon district has the lowest levels of crime in Essex, a new audit has shown.

The audit collated official statistics from police, probation service, social services and other agencies along with a postal survey of 1,000 households in four selected wards.

It showed that the vast majority of residents are happy with their neighbourhood and feel safe and secure in their homes.

By far the greatest cause of concern is speeding traffic with dog fouling, cars parked in the wrong place and litter also perceived as significant problems.

But when asked what could be done to improve local conditions people replied that greater police presence and more youth facilities were the priorities, plus measures to control speeding traffic.

"I am delighted, but not surprised at the results of the audit," said Tony Plumridge, chairman of the crime and disorder steering group.

"This reinforces my view that the Maldon district is a very safe and pleasant place in which to live, work and raise families."

Maldon's inspector Ian Weller said: "It confirms our view and should do a lot to reassure people."

The results of the audit are being collated at police headquarters and a summary will be published to accompany the draft Crime and Disorder Strategy for the district.

Residents of Burnham packed a public meeting called by the town council on Tuesday to oppose plans to close the town's police station.

Under a new rural policing scheme proposals also suggest revamping or replacing Southminster police station.

Clerk Pat Calver said: "Residents were 100 per cent for keeping a police presence in Burnham."

Maldon MP John Whittingdale has spoken against closing Burnham. He said: "This move would reduce vital contact with the community."

Home Secretary Jack Straw has been asked by West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns "as a matter of urgency" to review funding to Essex Police which has to slash £7m from spending.

Police presence: PC Barry Knights chats to a marine worker while on patrol at Maldon's Hythe Quay.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.