AFTER a 14 month saga of frequent arson attacks on pensioners' homes, Thurrock Council have decided to install CCTV cameras at West Road, South Ockendon in an effort to catch the culprits.

In October 2007 the Gazette reported how the pensioners at the sheltered accommodation complex where living in fear of the persistent arson attacks on their block.

The attacks began in December 2006 with bins, fences and garden ornaments being set alight in one string of attacks, and telephone lines and aerials being destroyed by fire in another.

In other incidents an electric cupboard was destroyed, £600 worth of damage was caused to a shed, and a resident's car was burnt out.

The latest attack took place in the early hours of last Thursday with another bin being set on fire. Later that same day the council came and installed the lights which will enable the CCTV to pick up the arsonists in poor light.

Speaking to the Gazette back in October 2007, resident Mr Dereck Beackon said: "We want CCTV installed but Thurrock Council don't seem to want to know."

Speaking after the latest attack he said: "Since the story in the Gazette we have had another four or five fire attacks. Its been non-stop. We are all really sick of it, it has been 14 months and they have only just started putting the lights up.

"The police don't even turn up now, they don't bother. I'd been told before that the council couldn't afford CCTV."

Resident Mrs Margaret Barker, 80, said: "They have spent so much money replacing wooden fences which just get burnt down again. They have been taken away now that the cameras are going in.

"The council did hang back, now they are trying to push things, they realise to have 12 fires in a year - it's got to be getting serious."

Speaking about the cameras she added: "I hope they will work, I wouldn't like to bet on it though."

The relentless arson attacks has meant that some of the residents have been forced to pull their Careline alarm cords for help.

Mr Beackon said: "It's intolerable, this arson is very serious.. We are definitely in danger, we cannot rest."