Council scraps proposal to reduce CCTV service

Proposals to reduce a local authority's CCTV service have been scrapped.

Cheshire East Council said it would seek extra funding support for the service from the county's police and crime commissioner (PCC), following a committee meeting on Thursday.

The surveillance service currently operates 24/7 and the council said the most significant user was Cheshire Police, which accounted for 87% of the demand.

PCC Dan Price has been contacted for a comment.

A report to the environment and communities committee gave several options regarding the CCTV service, which has a budget of £684,185, including ceasing all operations.

It said between April and October the service dealt with more than 20,000 incidents - half of which came about as a result of direct observation by CCTV operators.

However, councillors at the meeting unanimously voted to retain it along with a minor restructure which would result in savings of about £41,000.

This would have "no impact to current service delivery levels", the authority added.

Council officers said talks had taken place with the PCC in October and they had asked for a permanent funding contribution, adding that further meetings would take place.

There is no permanent funding contribution to the CCTV service from the PCC at present, they said.

Some councillors suggested AI technology could help bring costs down but others were concerned any cutbacks might jeopardise public safety.

Committee chairman Mick Warren said he had received numerous emails highlighting concerns about any potential reduction to the service.

Councillor Joy Bratherton also raised concerns about safety at night, adding: "From a personal position, I would no more dream of going into Crewe after dark than flying to the moon unless I have friends with me."

"Given its significant contribution to community safety, any reduction in service is unacceptable," added councillor Kay Wesley.

A further update will be given in June after officers have held further talks with the PCC and other partners who use the service.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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