Stratford District Council and Stratford Town Council working together - CCTV coverage in the locality

At its meeting in January, the Cabinet of Stratford-on-Avon District Council supported the initiative by the Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, Bill Dowling, to keep CCTV as a local service, funded as a partnership between the District Council and the local Town and Parish Councils where CCTV cameras are located.

Following a number of on-going meetings at the Town Hall, a satisfactory conclusion to provide full time coverage of CCTV was finally reached yesterday, with funding assured for a three year term.

An application for funding has been made to Stratford-upon-Avon Town Trust following agreement by the Local Partnership Working Group to fund full time coverage. 

Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council has pledged £25,000 towards the initiative, with further funding from the other partner parishes, including Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon and Studley.  The District Council has promised to 'plug the gap' if a deficit still remains.

Henley-in-Arden, Shipton-on-Stour and Wellesbourne are still reviewing their position, but not all parishes in the working group pledged support. Where Councils chose to make a contribution of less than their allotted amount, pro-rata arrangements will be made, and those choosing not to participate in this joint venture will continue to have their cameras monitored solely at times covered by Stratford District Council funding.

"I am delighted this agreement has been reached," said Bill Dowling.  "I see CCTV as a vital tool for averting and monitoring crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, which is certainly not just a night time occurrence.  I am grateful to Mike Brain, the District Council's portfolio holder for his positive action in furthering this cause and to all the other parish councils who agree that safety in the community must always come first."

Cllr Mike Brain, Technical Services Portfolio at Stratford District Council says: “This shows what can be accomplished when organisations work in partnership to deliver results for the Town and District.  To be able to restore full time monitoring of the CCTV service is a positive result as CCTV coverage is important in protecting residents from crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour and allowing them to feel safe in our main Market Towns and larger communities."