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Farage visits Essex as security patrols launched

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 11:29 · Archive

Essex County Council has deployed six uniformed security guards across three towns following concerns about asylum seekers from Wethersfield.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited Chelmsfield this morning to highlight Essex County Council's new Operation Vanguard scheme, a security patrol initiative launched in response to resident concerns about asylum seekers from Wethersfield travelling into nearby town centres.

Six uniformed security guards have been deployed across Chelmsford, Colchester and Braintree for an initial three-month pilot. Security firm My Local Bobby, which operates the patrols, says its visible presence will reassure residents, businesses and visitors. The patrols run daily in areas where anti-social behaviour has been reported.

Essex County Council initiated the scheme following confirmation that Wethersfield's capacity will increase, raising concerns that more asylum seekers would travel into nearby towns. Council leader Peter Harris described Operation Vanguard as a 'direct response' to residents' concerns and said the authority wanted to act proactively rather than wait for issues to escalate.

Supporters argue the measures will reassure communities, but critics have questioned the project's cost and necessity. The council and My Local Bobby maintain that the visible security presence will provide the reassurance residents are seeking across the affected areas.

Farage visits Essex as security patrols launched
Image: Brentwood Guardian

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How it is being reported

In this story: Nigel Farage · Essex County Council · My Local Bobby · Peter Harris · Chelmsford · Colchester · Braintree · Wethersfield

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