Crime in Basildon town centre could be slashed if a report gives the thumbs-up to a merger of the town's CCTV systems.

Kings Lynn firm Optimum Risk Management has been liaising with Kerry Davison, town centre manager, over the consultants' report - and she expects the results by early next month.

The report, funded by the Town Centre Forum, a group made up of police, traders and Basildon Council, hopes to find a way of integrating the private and council CCTV systems.

At present, the private systems, operated by Westgate Park, Eastgate shopping centre and the Town Centre Management company, are not in line with the council's CCTV.

The aim is to create one central, round-the-clock network for all the town centre.

Ms Davison said: "The groups behind the four CCTV systems have seen the benefits, and I'm really excited that this is moving forward.

"The consultants are confident that the four systems can be merged."

"It would be of great benefit to shoppers and traders."

Sgt Mark Estall, of Basildon police, said: "If the report recommends the merger of the CCTV systems, we will back it.

"We believe a system, as proposed by the Town Centre Forum, will benefit everyone in the town - traders and shoppers alike."

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