Mixed reaction as Reform UK council hires private security to patrol towns

Reform UK council's decision to hire private security guards for town centres in Braintree, Colchester, and Chelmsford has sparked a mixed reaction. The initiative, announced in August, is set to run for three months in an initial trial period. Six "operatives" will patrol the areas, funded through a drawdown of up to £150,000 from a community improvement fund.

Support worker Patricia Crowhurst, 78, expressed her skepticism, stating that the money could be better spent on increasing police presence. She noted the presence of a high number of drug users in the town, which she felt the security patrols would not address effectively. Conversely, Sheila Clark, 66, felt more secure with the security guards around and was more concerned about drug-related issues rather than the migrants themselves. She believed the patrols would be a deterrent to crime.

Louise Edwards, 39, had a different perspective, stating that the patrols would undoubtedly deter crime. Jordan Taylor, 25, echoed this view, highlighting the recent increase in crime as a reason to support the initiative. Andy Cullen, an area manager for the security firm My Local Bobby, explained that the operatives could perform a citizen's arrest if necessary, though they were not instructed to focus specifically on migrants.

The firm's goal was to ensure a safer, more pleasant environment for residents in the shopping and town centres. The three-month trial, costing around £118,000 plus VAT, is expected to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of this approach.