Privately-funded security guards could be employed to patrol a shopping area in Colchester.
The idea is being considered by a problem-solving group set up to look at difficulties at The Centre, in Greenstead.
Greenstead library and the Co-op already have their own guards.
But the idea now being looked at involves different organisations in the centre grouping together to pay for a guard to patrol the walkways of the centre.
Julie Young (Lab, St Andrew's) said she was for the idea as it would help clamp down on problems there.
She said it was an example of the positive action being looked at by those involved in the community.
Mrs Young added it might not come to fruition as it could be quite expensive and some organisations or shops might not want to stump up the cash for the project.
Peter Carrington, Colchester Council's community safety officer, said the idea should be looked at by the newly-formed problem solving group.
But he added: "It would open up an absolute minefield of problems."
He said there was the issue of citizens' arrests and the possibility that the guard could end up being charged with assault by the police.
Published Wednesday, May 28, 2003
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