A PRIVATE security firm has launched paid-for patrols inside the Frinton gates to fill the void left by police cuts.

Holland-on-Sea-based security company AGS runs the service running every night in the town from 7pm-7am.

Households can opt in and pay £2 per week to be covered by the service, whichprovides a hotline to on-duty guards.

A marked security car is based just inside the railway gates and carries out patrols throughout the night.

Guards have already been called into action several times, restraining a man after a town centre fight, rescuing people from an overturned car after a crash and helping to stop a burglary in progress.

But the scheme has been criticised by some people and bosses have been accused of playing on the fears of elderly and vulnerable residents.

AGS chief Stephen Beardsley has defended the service and says he hopes it will boost safety in the area.

“We want people to give us a chance to prove that we can be an asset to the community,” he said.

“We are not a bunch of thugs running round as vigilantes. This is a professional setup and it is a chance for us to provide some extra eyes and ears on the streets at night.

“Even having the marked car there by the gates acts as a deterrent to any would-be crooks.

“I believe we can really help the area, particularly with fewer police around all the time and more cuts set to be made next year.”

Mr Beardsley says his team has been working closely with the PCSOs in the area.

AGS also hopes to get police accrediton, which would give it low-level powers to deal with offenders.

Currently guards step in to stop trouble and call the police if further action is needed.

Mr Beardsley added: “I know not everyone is in favour of what we do and everyone is entitled to their opinions.

“One criticism is that we would not help if we saw a crime going on but the victim was not paying for our scheme. But we would never turn away from anyone in trouble.

“It is a business, but we genuinely want to help the area, and believe our presence can do that.”

AGS is also employed to protect the £36million sea defence work being carried out in Holland-on-Sea and Clacton. It has plans to expand the night patrols across Tendring if there is enough demand.