We will work with your community to address safety concerns PFCC tells Wickford residents at public meeting
Residents of Wickford outlined community issues of anti-social behaviour, intimidation and dangerous road behaviour at the PFCC meeting for Basildon district on Tuesday evening.
Roger Hirst MBE noted ongoing community concerns in Wickford around anti-social behaviour (ASB), including illegal use of catapults, nuisance off-road vehicles (quad bikes and motorbikes), youth-related disorder in the High Street and fast-food outlets, and safety concerns in local parks.
The meeting, held at Wickford Community Association in Nevendon Road, Wickford on Tuesday 27th January was hosted by PFCC Roger Hirst MBE, alongside Inspector Paul Hogben of Essex Police and representatives of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) and Basildon Community Safety Partnership, providing a vital platform for local people to raise their concerns directly with those responsible for community safety.
Attendees heard how recent PFCC Safer Streets investment has been directed to Wickford to support CCTV upgrades, street wardens, targeted policing and environmental measures.
PFCC Roger Hirst said: "It’s vital that residents have the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns directly with us.
"We are committed to working together with the police, fire service and councils to address these issues raised in Wickford and make all of Basildon district an even safer place to live."
Key issues raised by residents:
- Quad bikes constantly being ridden dangerously across town and parks.
- Over‑expansion of nearby traveller sites and their management
- Drug dealing outside Applewood Surgery and behind the railway station
PFCC Roger Hirst and the panel listened carefully to each concern. Commitments were made to:
- Continue targeting drug dealers, with a focus on dismantling organised networks
- Encourage residents to report hate crime and anti-social behaviour, assuring that every report will be taken seriously and acted upon
- Work with Basildon council, Wickford Town Council and police to streamline the process for tackling community concerns
- Using intelligence to build a map of anti-social behaviour reports across the town to further aid police efforts
Have Your Say – upcoming PFCC public meetings
Residents are encouraged to join the upcoming PFCC public meetings in Chelmsford in February 2026. The PFCC hosts an annual public meeting in each of the 14 districts of Essex, these events are a chance for communities to have their voices heard, ask questions and learn more about the work being done by local services and the council to keep people safe.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Chelmsford: Monday 23rd February 2026, 7pm-8pm, Chelmsford Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford.