Maldon's town centre car parks and the Promenade Park could be covered by cameras in an attempt to stamp out vandalism and theft.

The district council is working with police to prepare a bid for Government cash to fund the closed circuit television (CCTV) scheme which could link into a Chelmsford Borough Council control centre.

District council facilities manager Richard Holmes said: "We are looking at a major scheme for the whole town centre."

Costs have yet to be worked out, but Mr Holmes said that it would be a large capital investment and the bid would need to be submitted by the end of the month.

"We are looking primarily at public safety and ensuring that we don't have a problem," said Mr Holmes.

"Public conveniences and shelters are often the target of vandalism and anything that can reduce that is of benefit to us."

The scheme was outlined to members of the community and leisure services committee on Tuesday. Councillor Robert Long said: "It has been proven in other areas and crime has dropped considerably."

The district purchased a mobile system about two years ago, which is operated by the police. Maldon's Inspector Ian Weller said that it had been successful and the new proposed system of static cameras would complement it.

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