CCTV bid is revived

2:25pm Thursday 27th March 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A FRESH appeal for a CCTV system in Malmesbury has been launched following a spate of violent incidents and thefts.

Plans for CCTV were first discussed in 2005 but were later abandoned because the town council had no money in its reserves because of the town hall renovation.

Now the town and district councils have resurrected the campaign to make Malmesbury more secure.

The CCTV steering group has been reformed and councillors are looking into getting a share of the £50,000 set aside by North Wiltshire District Council for security cameras in market towns.

The project has been welcomed by taxi company owner Brian Slade, who has witnessed crime first hand on late night shifts.

He said: "Doing our job our drivers are out at all hours and often in and around the town centre so they see it all.

"If something kicks off out of a pub then it's our drivers who are there first a lot of the time. Having a CCTV system would deter people from causing trouble.

"I think it is absolutely brilliant news and we're certainly all for it.

"The police have been around more after the recent troubles but whether that will last remains to be seen."

Coun Martyn Snell said: "It would be very nice if we could get it going again but if we are going to invest it has to be right.

"What the town really needs is more police on the beat and camera security would add to that."

Inspector Mark Levitt of Malmesbury Police said they are working with the council to find the best solution and supported any bid for extra security in the town.

A meeting is being held between councillors and a CCTV firm at the end of this week to discuss the best options available.