Northumberland town plans £25,000 CCTV network to 'help keep residents, workers and visitors safe'

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Town Council has agreed to install a town-wide system ‘to provide a safe and secure environment for the benefit of those who might live, visit or work in the area’.

Expected to cost around £25,000, the authority has invited tenders for the design, supply, installation and maintenance of ‘an effective, legally compliant and value-for-money’ 12-camera system, which can be added to in the future.

Billed as ‘part of an overall package in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and to improve community safety’, the council is seeking the views of residents on the overall principle of having surveillance in the town before signing any contracts.

A statement from the authority said: ‘The system will not be used to invade the privacy of any individual, except when carried out in accordance with the law.

‘The scheme will be used for the following purposes: To reduce the fear of crime; to reduce vandalism of property and to prevent, deter and detect crime and disorder; to act as a deterrent to potential offenders by publicly displaying the existence of CCTV, having cameras clearly sited that are not hidden and signs on display in areas being monitored; to assist in the maintenance of public order and reducing offences involving vandalism and nuisance; to provide high-quality evidence which may assist in the detection of crime and the apprehension and prosecution of offenders; to protect property; to provide assistance with issues relating to public safety and health; to provide assistance and reassurance to the public in emergency situations.

‘This will contribute to a reduction in crime and disorder to improve public perception of personal safety and protection of assets.’

Residents should share their views by Wednesday, February 12, by completing the short online survey – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/29NYLFK

Respondents are asked to give their postcode, whether or not they support the scheme, and to leave any additional comments.

Alternatively, they can email [email protected] or write to: Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Town Council, 76 Front Street, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, NE64 6QD.