Intrusion fear over CCTV plan at Market Drayton school
Councillors have warned that proposed new CCTV cameras to make a Market Drayton primary school safer should not be "intrusive" to neighbouring properties.
The warning from Market Drayton Town Council comes as members formally voted to support the application to install seven CCTV cameras outside the town's Longlands Primary School.
The scheme also includes creating new fencing and gates outside the school in Linden Way.
The plans were submitted to Shropshire Council after previous incidents where people have been able to gain unauthorised access and damage the schools grounds and facilities.
Julie Jones, clerk to the town council, said: "The council voted to support this planning application provided the two CCTV cameras are not intrusive to the bungalows at the rear of the school."
A supporting statement in support of the application states: "To improve the safeguarding and site security of the school, CCTV as well as the fencing and gates will be installed.
"These cameras will have the capability of providing 38 days of continuous recording with a resolution of HD 1080p.
"The cameras location has been positioned to cover the most at risk areas which in this case covers the majority of the school’s grounds.
"This coverage includes the main and rear gate as well as the north, east, south and west perimeter. These areas have been selected to deter persistent trespassers which have taken advantage of the school’s lack of security in the past.
"For the reason of close neighbouring properties and public highways the cameras range will be restricted and angled to cover the school property and that only."
Commenting on the Shropshire Council website, Clifford Taylor said: "Any cameras to be fitted should not be intrusive to the privacy of the properties situated in Annefield Close.
"During installation of the security fencing etc any damage to our boundary fence to be reinstated to our satisfaction."
As part of the scheme, the existing 1.8 metre high fencing will be dismantled and replaced with a new proposed fence design, increased in height to 2.4 metres.
The low level pedestrian gates will remain in position and increased to the recommended height of 2.4 metres.
In 2015 more than £600 worth of damage was caused to the pre-school playground as part of an attack which saw vandals urinate over play equipment.
Vandals also smashed a table and ripped up young trees as part of the attack.
Shropshire Council hopes to make a final decision on the application by November 7.
People can comment on the application as part of consultation into the scheme by visiting the council website.
