Plans to extend CCTV coverage to Chester suburbs

Jun 6 2008 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

PROPOSALS are in place to increase Chester’s suburban CCTV camera coverage.

There are currently about 109 cameras scouring the city streets but Chester City Council is now looking to add cameras in Handbridge and Hoole.

Chester City Council spokesperson Kathryn McGiveron said: “There are plans to expand the CCTV network in Hoole but it’s not going to be for a while yet. This year the road coverage will be expanded, next year Handbridge and by about 2010 we are looking at cameras in Hoole.

“It’s still very early days. About £150,000 has been allocated for cameras in Hoole and we are still considering locations but it’s likely to be in the area around the shops.”

Last month, coverage in the Garden Lane area of Chester was extended to help make the neighbourhood safer for students, residents and traders.

Chester University helped pay for the camera and thanks to tireless campaigning by community groups, particularly the Garden Quarter Community Association, a new CCTV camera was installed in the area in an effort to reduce criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.