A new £41,000 security system has been installed across Witham town centre.

The investment, paid for by Witham Town Council, means all of the centre's CCTV cameras have been upgraded and are now monitored every day of the year from Chelmsford City Centre's CCTV hub.

All of the new cameras are high definition and it is hoped the new system will help Essex Police successfully capture and prosecute criminals.

Witham Town Councillor Rob Williams said: “This upgraded system will be a significant help to the Police in combating crime.

"Witham Town Council wants to make Witham a safe place to live, work and visit.’’

The measure is one part of the town council's drive to combat crime and antisocial behaviour in Witham.

Spencer Clarke, public protection manager at Chelmsford City Council, said: "Witham is being provided with 24 hour surveillance at the Chelmsford monitoring station.

"The high quality footage will aid Essex Police in prosecuting criminals, aided by real time control as crime occurs.

"A further development is that police officers were now being provided with equipment allowing them to view CCTV footage both historical and live, without the need to return to a police station."