MP's welcome for Whitton CCTV

12.00.00am GMT Wed 18th Dec 2002

Over two years after Vincent Cable, MP, obtained the backing of Home Office ministers for a CCTV system in local high streets, the go ahead has at last been given for cameras, and monitoring, in Whitton High Street.

Vincent Cable said he was "delighted" since "Whitton High Street once a very quiet law abiding shopping area has recently had serious crime and continued problems of vandalism and graffiti."

"The Whitton councillors and traders have fought a long campaign for camera surveillance"

"It has taken a very long time, however, to get this scheme operating. I pressed for CCTV cameras when the Home Office first introduced its programme of funding new equipment."

"The Minister agreed. But the council was unable to mobilise the funding needed to pay for people to monitor the screens and as a result there have been delays".

"The CCTV will make a difference but it is not a panacea since criminals get used to the positioning of the cameras."

"It is certainly not an alternative to a police presence on the streets".