Dramatic U-turn in plans to scrap CCTV

Dramatic U-turn in plans to scrap CCTV

19 September 2018

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council officials have suspended a controversial decision to axe CCTV cameras from the district’s main towns.

They were set to pull the plug on the system installed a decade ago in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Ballynahinch, but have bowed to public pressure to keep the cameras rolling.

The cameras were due to be axed next March with council officials arguing the system had “reached the end of its useful life.”

However, the local authority has suspended its decision in the wake of stinging criticism from the business community in particular.

In what was viewed as a bid to deflect criticism of the decision to axe the security cameras — revealed exclusively in the Recorder a number of months ago — the local authority said the move coincided with a continuing reduction in crime across the district. 

But the argument has cut little ice with those in business across the district’s three main towns who believe the presence of the cameras acts as a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour.

While axing the CCTV system is being blamed on reduced PSNI funding and problems over recent years with breakdowns resulting in the cameras being out of action for long periods, traders made it clear during public consultation on the proposal that they want the cameras to remain in place.

Council officials say ratepayers have been footing increasing repair bills associated with the security cameras and revealed the cost of updating the existing system or providing a new one would be very expensive. 

They also highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of the cameras, explaining there is no available evidence which can measure whether the footage they capture is leading to criminal prosecutions.

Confirmation the decision to axe the CCTV system has been suspended came at last week’s meeting of the council’s influential Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

Council officials have been tasked with engaging with external technical experts to complete a detailed scoping exercise to look at current and future CCTV requirements. When the exercise has been completed a detailed report will be tabled for discussion at the council committee.

In the meantime, council officials have been instructed to ensure that the security cameras not only remain operational in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Ballynahinch, but are fully maintained.

Rowallane councillor Robert Burgess, the chairman of the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership, believes the presence of security cameras in main towns acts as a deterrent to would-be criminals.

He said he fully understands the concern across the business community about their potential removal and the obvious implications this would have.

“A decision has been taken to put on hold a proposal to end security camera coverage across the district, with technical experts asked to 

provide an overview on the existing system and a potential new one” he continued.

“I know from talking to council colleagues across the district that many in business are concerned about a complete withdrawal of CCTV coverage, particularly in our town centres.”

Cllr Burgess said he believes the cameras should remain in place, but explained that for this to happen a number of key issues need to be addressed.

He added: “The current system is outdated but if it is replaced, who picks up the bill, who will monitor the cameras and who will be responsible for their maintenance? 

“I suspect a significant cost is involved and perhaps a number of agencies will need to make a financial contribution towards this.

“Business owners are ratepayers and should not be asked to meet the cost of any new system which may be installed.”