FOR years, residents here, across Essex, and indeed across the country, have been begging for a greater police presence in their communities.

With the appointment of two new officers this week in Maldon, it proves we are slowly but surely getting there.

Perhaps this will usher in a new age where there will be much more spontaneous engagement between the community and the police, sparking conversations and allowing the public to see their streets being taken care of.

We can only progress with steps like these.

It’s one small step for Maldon, one giant leap for the community.