Plans for CCTV approved in seaside town

A seaside town in Essex is set to get new CCTV cameras as well as getting older ones upgraded

Plans have been approved for new CCTV cameras to help improve safety in a seaside town.

There will be a series of cameras around Clacton-on-Sea town centre in Essex as part of a proposed upgrade by Tendring District Council (TDC).

The £317,000 renovation has been funded by a grant from Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's safer streets fund, along with £82,000 of match-funding from TDC.

The council said it hoped to enhance the coverage provided by cameras to make the town safer for residents, businesses and visitors.

The council says it hoped the CCTV cameras would make the town safer for residents

The project will see up to 20 cameras revamped and new cameras installed at additional locations, including High Street, Old Road, Wellesley Road, opposite Orwell Road in Marine Parade East, and the car park and skate park at Clacton Leisure Centre.

A further planning decision on two cameras on the seafront is due shortly.

Labour councillor Peter Kotz, TDC cabinet member for community safety, welcomed the decision and said "significant strides" has been made in reducing crime already but more work was needed to be done.

"This initiative to upgrade CCTV cameras in Clacton is vital to ensure people feel safe in our town centre while also helping to deter crime and catch criminals," he said.

Work is expected to start at various sites by the end of the month, pending consent from Essex Highways, said the council.