Spotlight falls on Frodsham CCTV

Mar 6 2009 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

ARE residents prepared to pay for street security cameras to help curb crime and disorder in Frodsham?

Town councillor Andrew Dawson's suggestion of a public referendum has triggered a fresh debate on the chances – and merits – of installing a town centre CCTV system.

Cllr Dawson told the town council: “I’ve heard at various times in the past that the police do not support the provision of CCTV in Frodsham.

“But I had the great pleasure of going on patrol with Frodsham police last month and, discussing this with bobbies on the beat, I can tell you they very much support the idea.

“Strategic cameras, particularly at the Bears Paw traffic lights, would no doubt make a significant improvement to the detection of crime.”

So far, nothing has come of a feasibility study, commissioned by Vale Royal Borough Council, which suggested it would cost about £300,000 to set up a 14- camera CCTV system in Frodsham town centre, plus another £150,000 every year for running costs, including monitoring staff.

Cllr Dawson said: “If there is a desire to see CCTV in Frodsham – something that local police genuinely believe will assist them – then we should consider providing it.

“But we would need to be completely transparent and accountable and say to people: You can have it but it will be an extra cost on the town council precept.

“Police do have access to mobile CCTV vans, but perhaps residents should be asked if they would contribute to either the capital or running costs of fixed cameras.”

Frodsham police inspector Phil Hodgson said: “I have always been in favour of CCTV. We do use a mobile CCTV unit extensively in Frodsham but I would prefer a 24-hour system.

“I definitely think it is a deterrent.”