THE first steps to transforming the centre of Basildon will begin with £100,000 being spent on ramped-up lighting to make the town safer.

A contract to appoint DW Windsor to supply the lighting to improve Basildon town centre is set to be approved by the council as part of a £104,000 investment.

The document states this will enhance the attractiveness of the town and improve the safety of visitors.

This comes after safety concerns in the town following a number of incidents in recent months.

Gavin Callaghan, the leader of Basildon Council, said: “We are making changes to the town centre as part of our town centre safety plan, to improve the lighting and the entrances and exits from the town.

“Whether it is midday or midnight, we want people to feel safe and sound as they live, work, and study in our town.

“This first step will help and improve how residents move around our town safety.

“We know that safety is a major concern in the town.

“We are hoping for improved police numbers as well as looking at how we reform the community warden scheme, which has not been successful in deterring crime in the town to date.

“All of this is being reviewed and decisions will come forward in the autumn”.

The report highlights how this investment is one step in helping transform the town centre.

It adds: “Basildon town centre is currently struggling with empty shop units, and it requires investment to encourage visitors, increase dwell time and boost the local economy.

“The cinema will help increase visitor numbers. However, there have been concerns raised about public safety within the town centre.

“To address this, it is proposed to appoint DW Windsor to supply the lighting to improve the town centre.

“This will enhance the attractiveness of the town, improve the safety of visitors and help manage transitory spaces which are in flux as the town is redeveloped.”