Improved street lighting and spy cameras have been installed in Southend as part of a £50,000 scheme to boost safety in the community.

High point - resident David Haycock, community development officer Ian Falconer, Danny Ballinger, from Southend Council, and CCTV specialist Paul Croft watch as a new camera goes up Picture: ANNA LUKALA

Southend mayor Roger Weaver will be in Cluny Square on Saturday to switch on the new street lighting and closed-circuit TV cameras.

The long-awaited opening will mark the triumphant end of a battle stretching back up to four years.

Community development officer Ian Falconer said: "Research and local consultation exercises carried out around 2000 showed local residents had many concerns about safety in Cluny Square and the surrounding area.

"Many of the issues they raised could be addressed by the use of improved street lighting and the use of CCTV.

"During autumn and winter, darkness descends at about 4pm and the area dies once children have left the two local schools."

Mr Falconer, who runs the community information shop in the square, also recommended a "safe corridor" between Eastern Avenue and Cluny Square, taking in Pantile Avenue, Cokefield Avenue, Lewes Road, Lornes Close and Peartree Close.

He said: "Social and economic confidence in the area will be rebuilt by tackling such perceptions as this being a drug dealing area.

"It's a reputation gained about 20 years ago yet the area is no worse than others. But the reputation has endured."

Mr Falconer hopes the measures will increase the chance of letting empty shops and allowing people to use the community shop later in the evening.

Published Wednesday August 18, 2004

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