A three-month trial placing private security operatives in the town and city centres of Colchester, Chelmsford and Braintree. The stated aim is a visible presence to reassure residents and deter anti-social behaviour as the Home Office expands the nearby Wethersfield asylum accommodation site. The announcement, made on 28 August 2026 by council leader Cllr Peter Harris, comes days after Harris visited the former RAF base. Reform UK took control of Essex County Council in May

Reform UK secured a majority on the council in the 7 May 2026 local elections, winning 53 of 78 seats and ending 25 years of Conservative control. Peter Harris became leader, with Russell Quirk as deputy. The new administration published a formal “Reforming Essex” 100-day plan in early July, focusing on council reform, high-quality services, protecting communities, and economic potential. The Council claims and what the record shows Several items on the graphic align with pu