Major CCTV upgrade to boost safety in Clacton town centre

A major upgrade to CCTV coverage in Clacton town centre is now being completed, marking a significant step forward in efforts to make the area safer for residents, businesses and visitors.

The project, delivered by Tendring District Council (TDC) in partnership with the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), has seen 21 cameras upgraded and 14 new cameras installed at key locations including High Street, Old Road, Wellesley Road, opposite Orwell Road in Marine Parade East, and the car park and skate park at Clacton Leisure Centre.

Funded by a £317,000 grant from the Safer Streets Fund and £82,000 of match-funding from TDC, the scheme provides improved image quality, wider coverage and modern technology to help deter crime and assist police investigations.

Councillor Peter Kotz, TDC Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said the completion of the project was a milestone for the district.

"This investment in CCTV is about giving people confidence that Clacton is a safe place to live, work, learn and visit," he said.

"The upgraded cameras will help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, and when incidents do occur, they provide vital evidence to bring offenders to justice.

"We are grateful to the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for supporting this project, and proud to have delivered it despite some delays related to consents and access.

"As part of our corporate plan, Our Vision, we are also committed to working with our partners, including Tendring Community Safety Partnership and the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, to improve quality of life for our residents."

The new system is already operational apart from two locations where power supplies are being installed in the next couple of weeks.

The CCTV is monitored by Helpline, run by Colchester Amphora Trading Limited, a Colchester City Council company, which works closely with Essex Police.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex (PFCC), said: "Investing and delivering evidence-based initiatives that make places safer and feel safer for everyone, with particular focus on women and girls, is an aim in the Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028. This project will continue to build community safety in Clacton town centre.

"PFCC Safer Streets funding is making a difference in Essex - anti-social behaviour incidents across the county are now more than two-thirds lower than they were in 2016 and in the 12 months to the end of October 2025, all crime in Essex fell by 4.4 per cent.

"Our plan to reduce crime in Essex and create safe and secure communities is working."

Attached image shows TDC Leader Cllr Mark Stephenson, Katie Wilkins (Assistant Director - People), Andy White (Assistant Director - Building and Public Realm), Daniel Hall (Contracts Manager, OpenView), Damian Williams (TDC Corporate Director - Operations and Delivery), and Cllr Peter Kotz, Cabinet Member for Assets. Image TDC