Maldon district councillors have decided not to look at security cameras for the town.

The community and leisure services committee received a letter from town centre manager, Marion Wells, asking members to reconsider the scheme which they decided not to submit to the Home Office last year because revenue costs were estimated to be more than £40,000.

In her letter, Marion Wells raised concern about a recent spate of High Street incidents and said: "I suspect that criminals are targeting Maldon because it is known that there is no CCTV system in place, unlike our neighbours such as Witham, Tiptree and Colchester."

Cllr Julia Peel said: "This council has already sponsored the initiative of some form of television camera, but we get few reports on how it is being used. I wonder whether this is money we will reap the benefits from."

Cllr Tom Kelly said: "We have had assurances that these cameras are in use. The best proof of that, I think, is that the town is relatively safe."

Cllr Roy Pipe suggested members write to businesses asking for contribution, but the committee decided not to prepare a revised scheme.

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