A FORMER community policing sergeant says Maldon does not need to follow the example of Tiptree and hire a private security firm to patrol the streets.

This month, Regency Security Services has begun tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in the village after signing a £12,000 deal with Tiptree Parish Council.

Council bosses said the move was made because there were too few police officers patrolling the streets.

But Richard Miller, Maldon mayor and a former community policing sergeant, says such drastic action was not required in Maldon.

He said: “The thing is, unlike in Tiptree, we have a police station that is manned 24 hours a day so we do have a police presence that is moving in and out of the town.

“Given the number of cutbacks that Essex Police have been forced to make I think maintaining that presence as we have is very important.

“I do not see that with the current number of officers operating in Maldon that there is any need or desire for any private security services.”

Although there is concern about the police presence in Maldon, residents in Wantz Road were divided on the idea of additional security services being brought in.

Dennis Cole, 83, said: “I think we definitely need more of a police presence. They take too long to get down here and do anything at the moment.”

Michael Pike, 71, said: “I like the idea. It is noticeable how few police we have nowadays. I remember when you used to be able to see them every day but now you’re lucky if you see one a week.”

However, Lisa Sims, 31, said: “I’d be a bit cautious I think. One of the maing things the police has going for them is that they are the police. People recognise them and for the most part respect them.

“What authority would the new lot have?”