Essex has deployed private security guards across three town centres as Wethersfield asylum centre prepares to expand from around 800 residents to 1,245. The three-month operation is expected to cost taxpayers about £118,000 plus VAT.
Six guards are now patrolling Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester, with two assigned to each town from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week.
The operation follows concerns about men from the Wethersfield site being transported into the three town centres.
The guards have no special police powers, but will provide a visible presence, report incidents and support existing authorities.
THE LOCAL COST OF ASYLUM POLICY
Essex Police Chief Constable Rachel Nolan says recorded crime associated with Wethersfield is “very low”.
The Home Office also says there is no evidence that the centre has increased local crime.
That does not make the wider consequences disappear.
Wethersfield is being expanded to accommodate 1,245 people, while local authorities are now spending six figures responding to concerns generated by the site and its impact on surrounding towns.
The bill for Britain’s asylum system does not stop at accommodation.
Councils, police forces, transport services and communities can all inherit costs created by decisions taken in Westminster.
Essex taxpayers are now spending £118,000 on security patrols around three towns.
That cost belongs in the calculation too.
Sources
The Sun: Operation Vanguard patrols begin
Essex County Council: Operation Vanguard announcement
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