New Forest District Council considers expanding its network of CCTV cameras in Bransgore, Brockenhurst, Fawley, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, New Milton, Ringwood and Totton
More CCTV cameras could be installed in eight New Forest towns and villages, under new proposals.
The plans for 21 new devices, costing around £145,000, includes surveillance in Bransgore, Brockenhurst, Fawley, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, New Milton, Ringwood and Totton.
Funding of £54,000 is available from the government’s Safer Streets grant.
NFDC’s housing and communities overview and scrutiny panel, which meets on Wednesday, will debate the plans before a final decision is made by the full council.
The council currently operates 29 analogue cameras, which would be upgraded to digital capability.
A report to members states: “The current network comprises 56 public space cameras installed at strategic locations across the district. They record 24/7 and are monitored by a trained team of operators [who] have the ability to transmit ongoing live incidents to the police control room for the assessment of risk and deployment of policing resource where deemed necessary.
“In the 12 months to December 2023 the CCTV system has been directly involved in over 750 recorded offences, with a further 300 since January of this year. In addition to the prevention and detection of crime, the cameras provide reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors.”
Following an initial review of crime data which identified gaps in CCTV coverage, a priority list of town and parish councils were contacted to discuss the proposed expansion of the system, including the required financial contribution of £732 per camera per year.
The report adds: “The presence of monitored public space cameras increase public confidence, enhance feelings of safety whilst helping to deter and reduce incidents of crime and disorder. “Recorded footage of evidential value is shared with police to aid in detection and prosecution of offenders.”
If approved, the new cameras would be installed in:
Bransgore
Ringwood Road/Betsy Lane
Brockenhurst
Lymington Road, Brookley Road/Rhinefield Road, Brookley Road/Fibbard Road
Calshot
Gang Warily recreation ground, Hampton Lane / Blackfield Road, Fawley village centre, Long Lane, Holbury, and St Georges Hall
Fordingbridge
Roundhill car park, High Street / Shaftsbury Street, Bridge Street
Lyndhurst
High Street, Gosport Lane / Southampton Road, High Street / Romsey Road
New Milton
Station Road, Ashley recreation ground, New Milton recreation ground
Ringwood
Christchurch Road roundabout / Wellworthy Way
Totton
Nutshalling Close, Salisbury Road
