A NEW temporary CCTV camera has now been installed at Arrow Valley Country Park after a consultation on its appropriateness to combat poor behaviour was a resounding ‘yes’.
Earlier this year, Redditch Borough Council, supported by West Mercia Police, issued a consultation to establish if the community wanted a camera at the park.
This was organised after the public raised concerns about the area and is a way to tackle anti-social behaviour, damage, and vandalism.
Of the 213 responses from residents and visitors, 80 per cent strongly agreed that CCTV in the park was a good idea.
The council has now installed the new camera near the playground and visitor centre, initially on a temporary basis, with the option for a permanent fixture should the trial work in deterring the negative behaviours.
The camera works using the mobile data network to send real time images to the monitoring centre, which is operational 24/7 and CCTV is proactively monitored by trained and licensed staff.
The images from the camera are recorded, retained for seven to 10 days and can be reviewed immediately when an incident occurs.
Live images can be sent to police headquarters if an incident is spotted, and the camera works in low light levels so nighttime images on the camera are clear and will pick up people using the play equipment in the dark.
Portfolio holder for community safety, Coun Lucy Harrison, said: “It was very clear that the public were in favour of trying this approach to combat the anti-social behaviour and vandalism and I hope the trial is successful and leads to a permanent fixture, so everyone can enjoy the park safely, in the way it was intended.”
The camera will be in place for at least the next three months and will be regularly reviewed to see if it is preventing and/or detecting crime and anti-social behaviour.
Council leader, Coun Matt Dormer, added: “I hope that the new camera does its job and deters this criminal behaviour, so that Arrow Valley Park remains an enjoyable space for all and isn’t spoilt by a minority.
“As a council we are listening to the concerns of residents and taking action to enhance the safety of our community.”
