Improved lighting and security fencing to tackle crime and vandalism in Basildon have been welcomed but "there is still more to be done".

This is the message from Mike Crone, the chairman of the Vange Community Association, after the announcement that £27,405 will be injected into the area.

The Shedding Light on Retail Crime in Basildon scheme, funded from the Home Office, will include the Riverview Centre and Bull corner shops in Vange and Chalvedon Square in Pitsea.

Mr Crone said: "This is the second time we got funding and things are really improving."

The Bull corner shops will get around £9,000 and the Riverview Centre around £5,000 to improve the lighting to the rear of the premises.

The car park lighting in the Powerhouse shopping area will also improve.

The Thurrock Supporting Small Retailers scheme focusing on the Tilbury Riverside and Tilbury St Chads wards was also awarded £27,405 from the Treasury's capital modernisation fund.

Published Wednesday August 14, 2002

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