BASILDON Council is planning to spend millions of pounds "to address key safety concerns" in the town centre. 

The authority is proposing a number of changes including more CCTV, safety wardens and even a summer festival to boost the town centre.

The changes, which also include new lighting, are set to cost £1,412,500 in one off payments and then around £498,000 in annual ongoing costs.

The council is planning to reintroduce safety wardens, which is expected to cost between £30,000 and £60,000 in equipment and setup and between £150,000 to £250,000 in annual staffing costs. 

The High Pavement underpass is set to be revamped with new lighting through to Little Oaks. This is set to cost between £45,000 and £90,000 and between £4,500 and £9,000 in annual maintenance costs. 

A new town centre summer festival could be launched with a range of outdoor events with a particular theme across the town square and other town centre areas. The cost of this could be up to £50,000 in set up and up to £150,000 in annual programming, 

College Square is also set to get a revamp, with a mobile coffee shop, new market stalls, new planting and other street furniture. According to council documents, it could cost up to £150,000 initially and then up to £90,000 in annual costs.

Basildon Council's cabinet is set to discuss the plans at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 11 September.

The documents state: "Basildon Town Centre is undergoing a strategic transformation to enhance public safety, improve the visitor experience, and support economic vitality. A comprehensive set of interventions has been identified to address key safety concerns, activate underused spaces, and foster a welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. 

"These security interventions are designed to work in tandem with the wider physical regeneration of Basildon Town Centre.

"As new public spaces, retail environments, and cultural assets are delivered, it is essential that safety infrastructure and placemaking initiatives evolve alongside them to ensure long-term success and community confidence. Improved lighting, visibility, and surveillance will make residents and visitors feel safer, encouraging greater use of the town centre."

It comes as the town centre is having a huge overhaul with thousands of new homes planned. East Square has been redeveloped with the new Vue Cinema and a number of restaurants.