Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, visited Felmores End, Pitsea last week to
mark the return of CCTV cameras to the area after they were switched off four
years ago.
The local MP has long
campaigned for the cameras to be switched on after concerns were raised by
local shop keepers about the safety of the parade of shops. Basildon Council
will now pay the £1,500 needed to keep the cameras in operation.
The parade has become
notorious for anti-social behaviour with the off-licence being the only one in
the borough to use bank-style security glass to protect staff and stock. The
return of surveillance I hope will be welcomed by shop keepers and local
residents alike.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “I am
delighted with this result. It was simply unacceptable that my constituents
felt threatened when using the shops and that shop keepers could not conduct
their work without fear of anti social behaviour.”
“I am extremely grateful that
this issue was brought to my attention and I am pleased that Basildon Council
have listened and responded to the needs of the local community. I now hope
that the cameras will make a real difference to the levels of anti-social
behaviour and I will continue to work with the local community to ensure that
this is the case.”
