Essex security patrols to start in three places near asylum base
Essex County Council has announced a trial of six security guards in Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester to patrol streets near the Wethersfield migrant camp. The move follows complaints from local residents about gatherings of male migrants and aims to deter anti‑social behaviour while keeping co…
In a move aimed at addressing local concerns about anti‑social behaviour around the Wethersfield migrant camp, Essex County Council has launched a pilot programme that will see six trained security officers patrol streets in Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester. The patrols, which will operate for a limited trial period, are intended to provide a visible presence that can deter disorderly conduct and reassure residents, particularly women and children, who have expressed unease about the presence of male migrants in town centres.
Background of the Wethersfield Camp
The Wethersfield site, a former military airfield on the outskirts of Colchester, has been repurposed as a temporary accommodation hub for asylum seekers and migrants. Since its opening, the camp has been the subject of local debate. While official crime statistics show that incidents linked to the camp are low, community members have reported frequent gatherings of male migrants in nearby streets, often arriving by bus from the camp during their free time.
County Council Leader Peter Harris said the decision to deploy patrols was a direct response to the “concerns raised amongst local residents – particularly women and girls – over gatherings of male migrants in town centres.” He emphasised that the safety of Essex residents is the council’s priority and that the patrols would be a temporary, cost‑neutral measure.
Details of the Patrol Scheme
The pilot will place two security officers in each of the three towns. The officers, who will be trained by the council’s security services, will operate during peak times identified by local police and community groups. They will work in partnership with existing policing arrangements, with the council’s spokesperson noting that the officers will be integrated into established security protocols rather than operating independently.
Funding for the scheme will come from a £150,000 allocation from the Community Innovation and Improvement Fund. The council has stressed that the pilot will not result in any additional cost to taxpayers or an increase in council tax.
Reactions from Local Politicians
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Liberal Democrat councillor David King warned that the scheme “risks divisions and community tension” and argued that security officers would be more effective if they were better integrated with local knowledge and community ties. He added that the officers would not “know the place, they won’t know the people, they won’t be connected up.”
Conversely, Stephen Robinson, the leader of Chelmsford City Council’s Lib Dem‑run authority, said it was important to avoid creating division and that policing should remain under the remit of the police. Conservative councillor Lee Scott expressed a more cautious stance, stating that the council was not opposing the scheme but would monitor its success and impact on public safety.
Statistical Context and Public Perception
While the government does not publish criminal offence data by immigration status, research from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford indicates that foreign nationals in England and Wales are convicted at roughly the same rate as British nationals. This data suggests that the perceived threat of crime from migrants may be overstated in public discourse.
Nevertheless, the council’s decision reflects a broader trend of local authorities seeking to address community concerns about the presence of migrant populations. By deploying visible security patrols, the council hopes to reduce anti‑social behaviour, provide reassurance to businesses, and gather evidence that could inform future support measures.
Next Steps and Unresolved Questions
The pilot will run for an initial period of six months, after which the council will review its effectiveness based on crime statistics, community feedback, and cost analysis. Key questions remain about the long‑term sustainability of the patrols, the extent to which they will integrate with local policing, and whether similar measures will be adopted in other towns facing comparable concerns.
As the trial unfolds, residents and local officials alike will be watching to see whether the presence of security officers translates into tangible improvements in safety and community cohesion, or whether it merely serves as a temporary bandage over deeper social tensions.
Why it matters
The introduction of security patrols near the Wethersfield camp highlights the tension between migrant accommodation and local community safety, a debate that shapes public policy and community relations across Essex.
Key points
- Essex County Council will deploy six security officers in Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester.
- The pilot aims to deter anti‑social behaviour near the Wethersfield migrant camp.
- Funding comes from a £150,000 grant, with no tax increase for residents.
- Reactions from local politicians are mixed, with concerns about division and integration.
- The scheme will run for six months before a review is conducted.
- Crime rates involving migrants are comparable to those of British nationals, according to Oxford research.
Frequently asked questions
Will the patrols increase council tax?
No, the council has stated that the pilot will not result in any additional cost to taxpayers or an increase in council tax.
How many officers will patrol each town?
Two trained security officers will be stationed in each of the three towns: Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester.
What is the source of funding for the patrols?
The pilot is funded by a £150,000 allocation from the Community Innovation and Improvement Fund.
