Colchester Council secures £38k funding for security patrols

Colchester Council has received £38,000 in funding from police, fire and crime commissioner Roger Hirst.

The cash will pay for two security officers to patrol the city centre on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 4am.

Both will be equipped with radios connected to pubs and the council’s CCTV team, allowing them to respond quickly to incidents.

Boss - Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst (Image: EAST NEWS PRESS AGENCY) The security officers will offer reassurance and help to the public, gather evidence, de-escalate situations, and involve the police "when necessary".

The patrols are being introduced in response to feedback from residents who raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and issues such as urinating in public, littering and trespassing.

Tristan Clarke is co-owner of popular venue Coda, in Colchester High Street, and believes the scheme will be beneficial.

Business - Coda owners Ollie Ward and Tristan Clarke behind the barHe said: “Any support to stop anti-social behaviour is something that is very welcome in the city centre.

“They will be a great help in crime prevention and general eyes and ears for the night-time economy.

“Colchester is very lucky to have a great CCTV team that is always excellent at supporting the venues, and a SOS bus that provides immediate assistance to people who need medical help.

“Nationwide, there is huge strains on the emergency services, so any help that takes some of the pressure off is more than welcome.”

Steve Hurdle is the co-owner of clothes shop Best Days Vintage, in Eld Lane, which takes part in the late-night Christmas shopping events.

Night life - party-goers enjoying a night out at the nightclub Atik which has now been transformed into Trilogy (Image: ATIK) He says the scheme is a "great start”, but more needs to be done.

He said: "Any extra patrols on the streets are welcome.

“But really there should be more funding available for an increased presence.

“The city centre is a lot of ground to cover for two security officers.”

Colchester Council cabinet boss for public protection Natalie Sommers said: “The hard work our community safety officers put in to getting initiatives such as this up and running is fantastic to see.

“And they really help to improve the safety of the public during nights out.

“I’d also like to thank the PFCC for their continued support in Colchester.

“As always, anti-social behaviour is a top priority for the council and every step we take in reducing it helps keep our city safer and more enjoyable for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”