Cr Aitken said people living in other parts of the municipality, including Carrum Downs, Skye and Langwarrin, will be footing the bill for no return.

"The clear majority of anti-social problems are citywide and not just in the Frankston central activities district," Cr Aitken said.

He has also accused mayor Christine Richards of being influenced by a small clique of business people at the expense of the city's 120,000 residents. "This [private security plan] is anything but a surprising result given the mayor chairs two committees – the economic development and CAD development – focused largely on the city centre," Cr Aitken said.

"Cr Richards is advised by her supporters Frankston Futures [a group of largely business people who backed several candidates at the last election] and the Frankston Business Chamber, which also only focuses on the CAD," Cr Aitken said.

Members of the now-disbanded Frankston Futures group included hotelier Phil Jones, the business chamber's Peter Mackenzie and former Frankston mayors Noel Ferguson and David Lee. The group supported candidates on a platform of good governance.

Cr Richards rejected the criticism, saying a safe city centre would benefit all residents.

"Frankston has a bad reputation that has been driven by the broader media.

"I personally don't believe Frankston is better or worse than any other area, but it is still a problem for the council and it needs to be addressed."

Cr Richards said people should not underestimate the imposition on residents not being able to access places such as shopping precincts and the beach for fear of anti-social behaviour and she believes the private guards will improve this.

"You cannot ignore the look in the eye of a young mother or a senior citizen when they are confronted by anti-social behaviour.

"They will likely not come back to the city and this is a problem that needs to be addressed."

The mayor reiterated that employers

such as Monash University were unable to attract staff due to perceptions of a lack

of safety.