22nd February 2008, 08/45
CCTV in Digmoor to make area safe
Parts of Digmoor, including a children's play area, will be even
safer whatever time of day or night with the launch of a new CCTV
system.
Four cameras have been installed in the Banksbarn area as part of
the £3.7m funding to make Digmoor, Moorside and parts of Tanhouse
in Skelmersdale cleaner, greener and safer.
The surveillance equipment covers a number of hotspot locations for
potential problems for anti social behaviour, such as underpasses
at Banksbarn/Beechtrees and some shops.
A camera also covers the new play area in a bid to protect some of
the more vulnerable park users, including children. It will also
pick up any anti social behaviour after dark.
All the cameras will be monitored by West Lancashire District
Council's CCTV staff 24/7 in a bid to protect and provide
reassurance to the community.
Cllr David Westley, the Council's Portfolio Holder for Community
Safety, said: "CCTV is a major tool we use in our fight against
crime and for reassuring residents. Through the Safer, Stronger
Communities Fund a lot of good work has been done in the community,
such as the installation of the children's park. Therefore it is
crucial that we use all the security measures we can to keep people
safe, which is why I'm sure the new CCTV cameras will play a role
in this."
This initiative compliments news that a police point is soon to be
relocated to the Estate Management Board premises in Banksbarn,
thus providing a more visible reassurance and police
presence.
Margaret Highton, Chairman of the Neighbourhood Board, said: "One
of the biggest concerns that we have in our community is crime and
the fear of crime and it's important that people feel safe and
secure. By having a more visible police presence in the Banksbarn
community backed up by CCTV cameras, I'm sure it will put local
people more at ease."
MP Rosie Cooper, Chair of the Local Strategic Partnership, added:
"When the Local Strategic Partnership received the Government
funding of £3.7m for Digmoor, Moorside and parts of Tanhouse, one
of the key requirements was that it had to be spent on initiatives
that play a part in keeping the area safe. I'm pleased this is
being done, as we all know that CCTV is a good reassurance and
deterrent within communities."
There are more projects planned in the next few months to make the
areas cleaner, safer and greener. Anyone who would like information
about the project can contact Chris Skinkis/Karen Warmington at the
Neighbourhood Management Office, 01695 737808 or email
neighbourhood.management@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Related information
> Community
safety