Essex County Council’s leader has announced the plan in response to public concerns about asylum seekers being transported daily from the Home Office’s Wethersfield accommodation centre to Braintree, Colchester, and Chelmsford.
The centre currently houses around 800 men but is set to increase to 1,245, with the potential to rise to 1,700, according to the council.
Councillor Peter Harris, leader of Essex County Council, said: “This is a positive and proportionate response to the concerns residents have been raising for many months now regarding the daily bussing of asylum seekers from Wethersfield to Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford.”
‘Operation Vanguard’ will see security operatives deployed in the three town and city centres to provide a visible presence, reassure the public, and help deter anti-social behaviour.
The county council is in the process of contracting a security company for the scheme, which will run initially as a three-month trial.
The county council will play a supportive role by informing Essex Police of any issues that may arise.
Cllr Harris said community safety concerns have been particularly strong among women and girls due to the regular gatherings of asylum seekers in town centres.
He also criticised the induction process for migrants at the Wethersfield centre, describing it as “woefully inadequate” in setting expectations for behaviour, especially towards women and girls.
Cllr Harris said: “We are not prepared to sit on our hands and wait for the next incident.
“We are taking action.”
He also questioned the need for daily trips to nearby towns, given the range of facilities provided at Wethersfield.
Essex County Council is seeking urgent discussions with the Home Office and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood about additional resources for public services to help manage the impact of the centre on nearby communities.
The council will also consult with partners including Essex Police, Braintree District Council, Colchester City Council, and Chelmsford City Council.
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