NEW CCTV cameras will be installed to combat a significant rise in drug, gang and violent crime.

The 11 cameras will be placed strategically around the Kursaal ward in central Southend to make a “big difference” to the lives of families living with the problems in the area.

Matt Dent, a Labour councillor for the ward, said families are so pleased about the announcement.

He said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce, after some serious lobbying from the Kursaal Labour councillors, that the council is intending to procure 11 new CCTV cameras for Kursaal ward.

“These new cameras should start to be installed before the beginning of the next financial year in April.

“I know there was a petition that was signed by everyone to get the cameras in Pleasant Road and Hartington Place.

“The cameras will be a deterrent against crime and also help us to catch criminals and bring them to justice.

“There are constant calls for this when we are speaking to people on the doorstep.”

Families said they are very pleased with the announcement and hope it’ll lead to a drop in crime and antisocial behaviour.

Sharon Collins, 55, of Hartington Place said: “This is good news and I am pleased to see our council tax being used for this project.

“It will make residents feel so much safer and help stop drug gangs running our streets and town.

“I did sign the petition so am pleased the council has listened to us.

“It can only be good news and will help send out a strong message that we won’t put up with crime and kids causing havoc.”

Brian Potts, 67, of Surbiton Avenue said: “I am pleased the council is doing what we’ve been calling for for years now.

“I want to praise Matt Dent who I know has been pushing for this.

“I think it’ll help police catch more criminals.”

The cameras will be installed in Southchurch Road, the junction of Southchurch Road and Bournemouth Park Road, the junction of Southchurch Road and Chase Road, where Southchurch Road meets Surbiton Avenue, the junction of Chase Road and Ambleside Drive, the junction of Hastings Road and Kilworth Avenue, where Wesley Road and Stanley Road, Hartington Road, the junction of Pleasant Road and Hartington Place and two cameras will be installed near to Southend East Station.