|
Councillors make a plea for town CCTV |
|
Councillors make a plea for town CCTV Mar 31, 2005 09:46 TOWN councillors in Buntingford
want closed-circuit television introduced in a bid to stop anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Pat Whittaker believes such a move would help to deter vandalism in
the town centre.
And Sgt Alison Farrell said the closed-circuit television cameras
are a "deterrent" and "beneficial" in areas where anti-social behaviour is taking
place. She said, however: "Funding for CCTV
cameras is a major issue." A spokesman for East Herts District Council said:
"The East Herts Crime and Disorder Partnership has received funding from the Safer
Stronger Community pot from the Home Office and elements of it will be used to
tackle anti-social behaviour in Buntingford. "The partnership will look at different
ways funding could be used and where there is a proven need." The partnership
has already purchased two mobile
cameras which have been erected in priority hotspot areas. But Cllr Whittaker
said the town council wants to see permanent cameras erected in the town. He said:
"The town council has written to the district council for permanent cameras, but
it appears we are not a priority. "It's like them saying the anti-social behaviour
problem in Buntingford isn't high enough." The district council spokesman added:
"It depends on the nature of the problem. Larger towns may have more specific
problems, but the partnership will look into it." At a Community Voice meeting,
the Buntingford community police team said special patrols had been targeting
hotspots. Sgt Farrell said: "We have addressed the anti-social behaviour problem
in Buntingford. We have a new police community police support officer, new patrols
and a new ward constable dedicated to the town of Buntingford. "We also have two
Special Constables which are given a list of hotspots in the town to patrol."
Sgt Farrell said: "From reported crimes there hasn't been a strong increase, but
I'm aware people in the town feel concerned by the groups that get into the town.
"We consider the town to be relatively safe, but we will take peoples' concerns
on board. From Royston-Crow |
