Call for Whitchurch CCTV update to cure blurred vision
The "outdated" CCTV system in Whitchurch could be upgraded so it provides clearer pictures and be monitored from a number of places.
There are 15 CCTV cameras in Whitchurch but four of them do not work because of cabling difficulties and a link to the monitoring room in Shrewsbury relies on an outdated analogue system which provides poor quality images.
Now councillors have called for the system to be upgraded.
The recreation and amenities committee of Whitchurch Town Council has recommended that the Town Council pay for the system to be investigated.
But they do not know how much it is going to cost.
Councillor Alistair Young, chairman of the committee, said: "Whitchurch is a great and safe place to live.
"However, our crime statistics suggest that we cannot be complacent.
"The council has community safety as one of its priorities and we want to make our system one which will provide clear evidence for the police, but also act as a strong deterrent.
"What is current becomes very old very quickly, we are just looking to upgrade if possible or if necessary.
"We are obtaining quotes for the work but at the present time we do not know how much it is going to cost."
The system was installed about four years ago.
Police access most of their information from a central monitoring point at Shrewsbury.
The councillors want to replace the analogue link to Shrewsbury with a digital server to allow local monitoring from a variety of locations and clearer images, particularly on playback.
They said that would make sure that the system "meets the current needs of the town".
Councillors will now look at obtaining a number of alternative proposals to ensure that the town can have a reliable and cost effective system.
They also hope to put more signs up about the presence of the CCTV system to maximise the deterrent effect.
