Reform UK council spends over £100k hiring private security to patrol Essex towns

Security guards have been deployed by Essex County Council - (PA)

A Reform UK council’s decision to send private security guards into town centres has drawn a mixed response, with some feeling safer and others calling it a waste of money.

Six operatives will patrol Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford for a three-month trial, Essex County Council said. The initiative is expected to cost around £118,000 plus VAT.