CCTV boost for Telford » Communities » 24dash.com

Telford & Wrekin Council and Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council have joined forces as part of an innovative new project to enhance Telford’s existing CCTV system.

This brand new project will be unveiled on Thursday (NOV 27) by Telford & Wrekin council leader Cllr Andrew Eade and the mayor of Shrewsbury, Cllr Anne Chebsey, at the Guildhall in Shrewsbury at 1.30pm.

The new system will enhance the existing CCTV systems, which will be monitored through a central CCTV control room at Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council. Mobile CCTV technology will also be used to respond to local “hot spots” of activity.

It is hoped the enhanced system, which represents £260,000 of investment, will make it easier to monitor criminal and anti-social behaviour in areas of greatest need at key times, such as Friday and Saturday nights in the night time economy areas.

This in turn will help increase public confidence and reduce anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Cllr Stephen Bentley, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This innovative approach will further aid the work of partners, including the police to improve the safety and security of residents, visitors and the business community within the borough.

“We know that the fear of experiencing violence or anti-social behaviour is thankfully unfounded for many people.

“However, this new approach provides people with the peace of mind and knowledge that now, more than ever, the police and partners will be able to identify those who choose to engage in violent or anti-social behaviour far more effectively.

“The project has been developed through Telford and Shrewsbury community safety partnerships working together to drive CCTV into a new era.

“This will provide professional CCTV monitoring for public reassurance, collate criminal evidence and to build a more efficient and effective CCTV service.

“By working with Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council this reduces the cost for local taxpayers and provides them with the best possible value for money.”

The launch of the enhanced system coincides with the launch of the Safer & Stronger Communities Partnership’s CCTV Protocol which will outline the approach that will be taken by Telford & Wrekin Council and its partners to tackle ASB, Crime and Street disorder.