BASILDON Council is drafting in  private security guards to clampdown on anti-social behaviour in the town centre and across the borough’s estates.

Security guards from Southend-based firm South Essex Property Services (SESP) will be out on patrol in crime hotspots from next month.

The firm was awarded a £337,952 one-year contract by the council in March – taking over the mantle of private security services from All In Black Security (AIB).

AIB has been providing security patrols in Basildon’s parks for the last year, after the council extended a successful three-month trial.

SESP’s security guards will be wearing high-viz uniforms and body worn cameras as they patrol areas plagued by anti-social behaviour.

The guards will have the powers to enforce the council’s Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which bans drinking in Basildon and Pitsea town centre’s.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “Community safety is a key priority of the council. In order to support our residents in reducing incidences of anti-social behaviour and to uphold the council’s PSPO, councillors agreed to enhance the provision of community safety wardens more widely across the borough.  

But the council has come under fire for “dumping” its previous security firm in favour of SESP

“AIB were doing a great job as park wardens clamping down on anti-social motorcyclists and other yobs,” said councillor Kerry Smith.

“But instead of giving AIB the contract they have gone for a company that is better known for cleaning services than security.”

Mr Smith added: “It’s unfortunate the Basildon taxpayer has to pay for this service, but with the police stretched and underfunded, it’s a necessary cost to fight crime.”

Aaron Mills, managing director at AIB, expressed his disappointment at missing out on the contract.

“We are proud of the work we have done for Basildon Council and bespoke solution we provided to reduce anti-social behaviour in the parks,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t’ successful when it came to tendering.”

The council spokesman responded: “A robust tender activity was undertaken, which included requirements for Police and Security Industry Authority accreditation, and we are looking forward to sharing more detailed with information with residents soon.”