A £1.2 million bid for Government cash to extend Southend's spy camera network was unveiled today.

Councillors were backing moves to increase CCTV coverage in the town centre, in a fresh attempt to slash crime levels.

The existing 24 cameras have helped to cut the number of offences by around 30 per cent since they were installed three years ago.

Under the new plans, the number of eye-in-the-sky cameras would be increased to 38, with a further 74 movement-operated cameras covering the multi-story car parks.

Cameras would be introduced at Central Bus Station and two train stations - Victoria and Central - to meet tough Government targets of a 30 per cent reduction in crime by 2003.

Four tower blocks in the town centre - Quantock, Malvern, Pennine and Chiltern - would also benefit from more CCTV coverage.

The move would back the multi-million pound renovation of the buildings which is currently under way.

Town centre manager, Tony Foucher, who drew up the bid, said: "Despite the efforts of all agencies involved, the police beat area covering central Southend still remains the busiest in Essex.

"However, the will and commitment exists locally to address this, not least within the partnerships working within the new community safety agenda."

Mr Foucher said the bid linked in well with the community integrated transport plan, currently being drawn up.

It is hoped that extended CCTV coverage at rail and bus stations will ease people's fears about travelling on public transport.

Mr Foucher said: "This bid is designed to link a number of initiatives together to benefit the whole community.

"It is a typical example of joined-up thinking which will provide the best value possible for both the council and the town as a whole."

Around £170 million is in Government coffers to be handed out to specific projects across the country.

Hopes are mounting that Southend's latest bid will be successful.

Previous bids have been turned down by the Government, leaving the council to pay for its own CCTV network.

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