Braintree Council operates nine static CCTV cameras - one of the lowest numbers across local authorities in Britain.

Research by Big Brother Watch revealed that in less than ten years the number of CCTV cameras controlled by councils has risen from 21,000 to 60,000.

Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for communities at Braintree Council, said more cameras did not mean less crime.

She said: “You cannot keep throwing money at what is basically public perception and when the reality is it doesn’t make much difference whatsoever.”

She said while static cameras could be of use in certain areas, such as town centres, mobile cameras were better at solving problems.

“We have got the CCTV vehicle which is far more effective because it follows the problem whereas with the ones that are static people know they are there and obviously avoid them,” she said.

Mrs Schmitt said the district was one of the safest places in the country due to “high visibility policing”.

The nine cameras were in Braintree town centre due to the high number of people, she said.

There were no plans for more cameras, but four are due to become operational in Halstead in January.

Witham Town Council runs the CCTV cameras in the town.

Halstead resident Chris Wilkin said: “Three cheers for Braintree.

“It's great to know Big Brother isn't everywhere - yet!

“Spy cameras are all well and good in busy city centres but what's the point in wasting cash on CCTV where it's just not needed.

“It's nice to see George Orwell's nightmare vision of the future not coming true for a change.”

But Michael Gage, district councillor for Halstead St Andrews, said: “I’m enthusiastic about the cameras coming and I have worked with other councillors to ensure we do get cameras.

“I would like to see a couple more at particular points in Halstead.”

He said they could act as a deterrent and the images could help solve crimes.