We are looking for ongoing investment in expanding the CCTV network for a number of reasons:
1. To deal with increased incidents of anti-social behaviour and drug dealing on the periphery of the existing network most of which goes unreported
2. Because the cut backs in police numbers mean that police activity is increasingly report driven
3. The poor quality of other reporting systems
4. To combat fear of crime and ASB
We had suggested two pilots both immediately north of George Street which we understand received approval following a technical evaluation but where rejected following an intervention by Charles Gerrish who was concerned about ongoing financial commitments if the pilots were seen to be successful. We chose sites north of George Street because those streets are an obvious escape route for offenders in George Street and are popular with drug dealers because they are near several nightclubs and party houses. Dealers have been heard reassuring customer that the is no CCTV.
The two sites selected where the right angle in Miles Buildings and a site looking up Hay Hill from the London Road.
Throughout this process we have worked in consultation with the local police teams and local businesses who have welcomed our initiative. We have also had regular discussion with the BANES CCTV team.