WORK is finally under way to improve lighting at the Laindon Centre.

Customers and staff at the rundown shopping centre, off High Road, have previously told the Echo they were scared to be out and about after dark, while newsagent Martins has been targeted by robbers twice since the security lights stopped working.

Basildon Council has come forward to replace some of the lighting while the shopping centre’s administrator, BDO, has also begun installing new street lamps at the centre.

John Scarola, Labour councillor for Laindon Park, who first raised the issue of the lack of lighting a month ago, said: “It gets dark so early now, but people still need to use the shops, so I’m glad the problem is finally being resolved. Something desperately needed to be done.

“I’m aware the Laindon Centre isn’t the nicest of places, as it is, and the lack of lighting was just making it even worse.”

Local Independent Labour councillor Pat Rackley regularly shops at the centre.

She said: “I’m really glad the work has started.

“It has been awful in the mornings, because it’s so dark. It’s just not safe for people getting into work early.”

The future of the Laindon Centre has been in doubt since its former owner, Laindon Regeneration, went into administration.

Developer Bride Hall is currently in talks with Basildon Council about regenerating the site, with a mix of new homes and new shops.

John Dornan, Tory councillor for Laindon Park, said: “It’s good to see the lights working, but what we all want is a new shopping centre.