SOUTHEND Council has announced plans to install CCTV at a Shoebury beach after fears of vandalism at new beach huts.

Three sets of cameras are being installed at Shoebury’s East Beach to reduce antisocial behaviour and promote the area as a safe place for families.

One set of cameras will be put up at the end of Rampart Street, another in the main car park by the beach, and another by the flagpole opposite the car park.

Shoebury councillor, Roger Hadley, has been calling for the installation of the cameras.

He said: “The cameras will cover the beach from Rampart Street to Blackgate Road.

“I want to assure residents that no houses will be overlooked by the cameras.

“The cameras are part of ongoing improvements to East Beach, and will help to improve security in the area and stop antisocial behaviour.

“It’s a lovely family area and installing the cameras will give people the confidence the area is secure.

“The main posts have been installed and I’m hoping the cameras will be up and running by spring, in time for the summer.”

The new cameras come following a spate of vandalism early last year which saw beach huts broken into and raided.

Fifteen new beach huts made of recycled wood from Southend Pier were installed at the end of last year, near Rampart Street, at a cost of £120,000.

Southend Council has now set aside a further £100,000 for building the next phase of Shoebury beach huts, which is scheduled for 2015 to 2016.

A spokesman from Southend Council said: “The council has set aside £100,000 in 2015/16 for building phase two of the Shoebury beach huts project, now it has planning permission to do so.

“The scheme will be kept under review during 2014/15.”