East Suffolk Council
CCTV upgrade proposal announced for Felixstowe
Following consultation and discussions with Suffolk Constabulary and the local Town Council, East Suffolk Council is delighted to announce proposals for increased and improved CCTV provision in Felixstowe.
If formally approved by both councils, work will get underway in the New Year to upgrade 15 existing cameras in the town and install units in eight additional locations.
At a quarterly meeting in September, East Suffolk Council (ESC) confirmed that they would present proposals to Felixstowe Town Council (FTC) at the next FTC/ESC Liaison meeting, which subsequently took place on Monday 8 December following the circulation of papers in advance.
Cllr Paul Ashton, Deputy Leader of East Suffolk Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to share a proposal with Suffolk Constabulary and Felixstowe Town Council that meets the needs of the town and will help tackle anti-social behaviour and disorder in key areas. This improved service will allow for immediate and direct liaison with the police to ensure live incidents are responded to, and footage may be used in investigations and prosecutions.”
If approved by both councils, the works will cost approximately £97,500 with FTC assuming a share in the region of £42,000. In addition, ESC would fund 24/7 monitoring at an annual revenue cost of approximately £40,500. ESC will take responsibility for the operational delivery of the scheme.
Cllr Ashton added:
“Feedback from FTC, including some members of their CCTV committee, on these proposals was very positive and I am pleased that we are working together to deliver this scheme. So, with this in mind, it is genuinely disappointing that a section of the town council chose to ignore the undertaking we made to them in September, publicly announcing a campaign only last week to demand delivery of this scheme.
“We meet regularly with FTC to discuss issues around anti-social behaviour, and we have always been committed to ensuring any improved CCTV service provides value for money. However, our promise to present proposals to FTC in December was crystal clear and that is exactly what we have now done.”