Spotlight On CCTV

A new CCTV camera is due to be installed in early spring on a busy pedestrian route to Folkestone town centre.

The camera, which will be placed next to Christchurch Tower in Sandgate Road, will give added coverage to parts of Sandgate Road and surrounding areas that currently don't have CCTV and will provide a vital link to the existing town centre CCTV system.

Cllr Hugh Barker, Cabinet Member for Planning and Community Safety, said the camera was commissioned following a request from Kent Police. It has been paid for by the Shepway Community Safety Partnership, which brings together the council, police, Kent Fire and Rescue Services and other agencies involved in preventing crime and reducing anti-social behaviour.

"This will ensure that this very well used pedestrian route to and from the town is now fully covered by CCTV and we are grateful to the partnership for its support," he said.

The installation of the new camera coincides with a review of the council's CCTV system. The review will look at how the service can be better used in the light of savings that need to be made across the council and how partners can support the monitoring of the CCTV system.

Cllr Barker said cameras would still record 24 hours a day, but at certain times there could be a reduction in the number of staff who watch the screens in the council's control room.

He said some of the savings being proposed could help the council secure future investments in new technology.