NEW CCTV cameras could be installed in parks and crime hotspots to make Basildon safer.

Basildon Council has budgeted £55,000 to install or upgrade CCTV to combat crime, flytipping and anti-social behaviour.

Two cameras have been installed in Market Lane, Wickford and quotes obtained for cameras in Wickford Memorial Park.

A site survey has taken place in Northlands Park, the site of several horrific attacks, and the council is waiting for a quote.

Cameras will be installed at the Nevendon Centre and these will be used to help monitor the park also.

Meanwhile the council will upgrade cameras at Barleylands Depot, the Church Road shops, Triangle shops in Langdon Hills and at Felmores End.

Tory councillor Kevin Blake said: “It’s what the people want to see.

“But we can’t just do CCTV for some areas and not others.

“I know there are issues at the Sun Corner in Billericay where we’ve had three illegal traveller excursions this year and CCTV would really help there.

“We need to be working with police to ensure we are investigating which parks needs the CCTV looking at the statistics about crime issues in our parks.

“It’s important that when we are looking at these camera systems for out parks that we reference the crimes and issues in those areas.

“We need the evidence to show it is needed in these areas.”

The calls for CCTV come after issues and incidents and there have been calls for years for the security measures at Northlands Park after a number of crimes.

In September last year police rushed to Northlands Park and closed some of the area after reports a man was stabbed with what was described as a samurai sword.

Last month a pervert exposed himself to schoolgirls, repeating an incident in May.

Another victim was hit with a golf club.

Several calls had been made for CCTV and the council is now taking action to address concerns.