Council pulls the plug on static CCTV ‘no longer fit for purpose’
Static CCTV cameras owned by Northumberland County Council are no longer fit for purpose
Out of date county council run CCTV cameras could be replaced with mobile systems, as replacing existing equipment is not considered cost effective.
Northumberland County Council told The Ambler that in some areas, some old CCTV equipment is not fit for use, and where it is to be removed, the county council is consulting with town and parish councils, to help them develop their own locally funded systems.
But they were unable to say how many mobile cameras would be available to be deployed within the county.
Northumberland County Council gave us this statement:
“The current arrangements and static open space CCTV systems the council is responsible for are no longer considered to be fit for purpose due to the age of the equipment and the limited number of town centres where cameras are provided.”
“A review, supported by Northumbria Police confirmed that many of the current locations are not considered to be a priority and have limited benefit. Replicating the current arrangements using new static cameras would therefore be of limited value and benefit.
“Northumberland County Council is in the process of procuring a number of re-deployable CCTV cameras for use across the county, both on a rotational basis for general monitoring and in response to specific issues of crime and disorder. This provides the most flexible and cost effective approach whilst also providing the opportunity to establish a council wide asset which could additionally be used by a range of services and to support the delivery of events.
“The council is working with town and parish councils in localities where static cameras are to be removed, with the aim of providing support and guidance and several have or intend to develop their own locally funded systems based on individual town centre needs.”
The council spokesperson was unable to confirm how many mobile cameras may be brought into operation to cover the whole of the county.
“Unfortunately we don’t have any figures at this stage because it’s just early stages of consultation.
“Ultimately we hope to work with town and parish councils to support them in taking responsibility for their own systems,” said the spokesperson.
“The council will seek to co-ordinate both the removal of existing equipment with the deployment of new cameras, which will be able to store footage for up to 28 days, which can be viewed and downloaded when necessary.”
Anna Williams
