IN the wake of recent attacks on women in Basildon Basildon Council is planning to increase the profile of wardens across parks and open spaces in a bid to increase public safety.

The initiative has been led by council deputy leader Cllr Kerry Smith who has announced the council plans to introduce park wardens to stop the attacks, subject to councillor approval, and could even provide a hotline to call for help.

Essex Police believe that four attacks on women in Basildon last month could be linked, and CCTV images were released of a man who Essex Police want to speak to regarding the incidents.

Cllr Smith said the council had budgeted for new wardens for the 2021/22 financial year, and it had been planned due to a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour, out of control dogs and attacks across the borough.

He said: "The council has brought in park wardens. There will be phone numbers placed in parks. If you're in the park you can put the number into your phone and call it and wardens will turn up in their vans."

"They will be available to any park."

Cllr Smith added that once the funds became available on 1 April the measures would be put in place.