Cleobury Mortimer set to get CCTV cameras

Cleobury Mortimer looks set to get its first CCTV system with Shropshire Council chiefs hoping to put up three cameras to tackle crime in the town centre.

It comes after years of campaigning from traders who say they are frustrated with yobs in the town getting away with petty crime and anti-social behaviour. The cameras are estimated to be costing £40,000.

Councillor Gwilym Butler, who represents the town on Shropshire Council, said the cash had been set aside by Advantage West Midlands and the old South Shropshire District Council.

He said: "I've been working on this for three years now and it's very pleasing to have finally made progress."

Lesley Burnside, chairman of the Cleobury Mortimer Chamber of Trade, was very pleased and hoped the cameras would be installed as soon as possible.

Mrs Burnside said: "It's great news to know it's eventually moving forward as we have been waiting so long for these, which we need purely and simply to cut down on petty crime and anti-social behaviour.

"At the moment, the police have often got little to go on when we have incidents. We get trouble in fits and starts with the odd gang of youths, but it's not major violence or anything like that. It's really just vandalism and stupidity.

"We are hoping the process will go through quickly now and we'll see them up soon."

The idea of cameras was originally raised in discussions between the parish council, Chamber of Trade and South Shropshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

Town clerk Matthew Shehan said: "We have supported it from the start and it's something the town council has long been looking for. We will pay the rates for the electricity, while Shropshire Council will pay the installation costs."

Victorian-style "heritage mounts" will be used to attach the cameras to the walls.

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans must submit their views to Shropshire Council planning department before August 17.

By Danny Carden