This comes as Basildon’s Tories refused to extend the park warden trial through the winter months, when it’s feared crime would increase as the nights draw in. The trial has instead been extended until September, where it could be scrapped or replaced with a street warden scheme. Gavin Callaghan, the former leader of the council, also criticised the comments. However, Craig Rimmer, councillor of the Pitsea south east ward, who sits on the committee, defended them. He said: “It’s not black and white. The parks are generally safe during the day. “The park wardens could be extended through the winter and into housing estates, but we need to see the evidence, which is what the next two months are for.