Plan in place for 24-hour CCTV

Civic leaders fighting to get a Powys town's CCTV system monitored 24-hours-a day in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour problems are one step closer to making it a reality.

Welshpool Town Council now plans to take over the responsibility of monitoring the town's CCTV system.

Town residents want cameras to be monitored by volunteers 24-hours-a-day in a bid to help tackle anti-social behaviour.

Robert Robinson, council clerk, said: "There were already plans for the entire system in Powys to be monitored 24-hours-a-day at the County Hall in Llandrindod Wells,"

"We don't expect this move to happen any time soon, so maybe in the meantime volunteers could be given the opportunity help us monitor it in Welshpool."

He said even though the current system enabled police to go back and trace an offence, the system would work better if it was monitored full-time.

Mr Robinson said: "If we can get this system monitored 24-seven, then it will help tackle anti-social behaviour problems in the town. I think it will also put a lot more residents at ease because they will feel a lot safer.

"At our council meeting on Wednesday, members will be recommended to agree the council takes over responsibility of the CCTV system, with people trained to monitor the system which is to be located in the town hall."

He said the estimated cost would be £4,000 and the annual running cost £3,000.

"A lot of residents have already expressed an interest in monitoring the CCTV system in Welshpool, so let's hope something can be done and this decision is passed," he said.