Resounding yes for CCTV in Arrow Valley

A new temporary CCTV camera has now been installed at Arrow Valley Country Park after a consultation on its appropriateness to combat poor behaviour was a resounding yes.

Earlier this year, Redditch Borough Council, supported by West Mercia Police, issued a consultation to establish if the community wanted a camera in this location. This was organised after the public raised concerns about the area and is a way to tackle antisocial behaviour, damage, and vandalism.

Of the 213 responses from residents and visitors to the park, 80% strongly agreed and 11% agreed that CCTV in the park was a good idea, versus just a total of 7% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing.

As a result, the council have now installed the new camera near the playground and visitor centre, initially on a temporary basis, with the option for a permanent fixture should the trial work in deterring the negative behaviours.

The camera works using the mobile data network to send real time images to the Monitoring Centre, which is operational 24/7 and CCTV is proactively monitored by trained and licensed staff.

The images from the camera are recorded, retained for 7-10 days, and can be reviewed immediately when an incident occurs. Live images can be sent to police HQ if an incident is spotted, and the camera works in low light levels so nighttime images on the camera are clear and will pick up people using the play equipment in the dark.

Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Cllr Lucy Harrison, said: "Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey. It was very clear that the public were in favour of trying this approach to combat the antisocial behaviour and vandalism and I hope that the trial is successful and leads to a permanent fixture, so that everyone can enjoy the park safely, in the way it was intended.”

The camera will be in place for at least the next 3 months and will be regularly reviewed to see if it is preventing and/or detecting crime and antisocial behaviour.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Matt Dormer, added: “I hope that the new camera does its job and deters this criminal behaviour, so that Arrow Valley Park remains an enjoyable space for all and isn’t spoilt by a minority. As a council we are listening to the concerns of residents and taking action to enhance the safety of our community.”