New Forest District Council’s cabinet approves CCTV camera expansion in Bransgore, Brockenhurst, Fawley, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, New Milton, Ringwood and Totton

AN increase in CCTV cameras across eight New Forest towns and villages has been approved by the district council.

As reported in the A&T, the plans for 21 new devices, costing around £145,000, includes surveillance in Bransgore, Brockenhurst, Fawley, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, New Milton, Ringwood and Totton.

It was debated at a recent meeting of the cabinet, with members agreeing to proceed with the plans.

Cllr Dan Poole, cabinet member for community, safety and wellbeing, said: “It is an excellent news story with us expanding our CCTV cameras, particularly to rural areas which haven’t had coverage before, so I am very happy and fully support it.”

Cllr Alan O’Sullivan said he was “pleased to see” the proposals, adding: “I expect all of the [town and parish] councils will be appreciative of these.”

Areas were chosen following an initial review of crime data which identified gaps in CCTV coverage. A priority list of town and parish councils were then contacted to discuss the proposed expansion of the system, including the required financial contribution of £732 per camera per year.

The council currently operates 29 analogue cameras, which will be upgraded to digital capability under the proposals.