Witham Town Council is working on a four-point plan to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

As reported in The Times this week, the council has agreed to fund five special constables who will work across the town centre.

Councillor Michael Lager said this was just one of the council’s plans, which have collectively been dubbed the Safer Community Strategy.

He said: “We have now got 11 new state-of-the-art cameras operating in Witham, the idea being to help people feel safe in the town centre.

“They are monitored every minute of every day and are accessible to police officers.

"We are very pleased about it and it should be a reassurance to people in the town."

It is hoped the cameras will soon be linked up to a wider network including the town's industrial estates and shopping centres, meaning almost all of central Witham will be covered.

Mr Lager said: “We are also looking into ways of increasing the information which goes from residents to the police so that residents are the eyes and ears of officers.

“We want to encourage community groups to get more involved.

“We also want residents and business to help themselves by being savvy about ways of preventing crimes.

"We think the measures will make a big difference to the town and will help people feel safe and confident about being in the town centre."