“The CCTV has brought the police closer to the community. Surveys show that the number of people in East Cambridgeshire perceiving anti-social behaviour to be a big problem in their area is the lowest in the county, and CCTV has been a key part of this achievement.”
ELY and Soham’s CCTV partnership has been hailed for helping to reduce the fear of crime across the district as it prepares to mark its first anniversary.
The partnership, between the City of Ely Council, Soham Town Council, East Cambs District Council and Cambridge Constabulary, took over running of the CCTV system from a centralised control room in Cambridge last year in a bid to save money.
Under the old system, police had to travel 15 miles to Cambridge in order to retrieve video footage and the process was prohibitively expensive, leading to a rethink by the district council.
Mayor of Ely and current chair of the Partnership, Cllr John Yates said: “The CCTV control room is manned by a team of volunteers, creating a community service, which is a good example of localism and the Big Society ideals.
“The City of Ely Council, who is responsible for the day to day management of the scheme, would not be able to provide this improved service without the dedication of the volunteers. The Partnership would like to place on public record their appreciation for all that they have done.”
Inspector Paul Ormerod said “The CCTV has brought the police closer to the community. Surveys show that the number of people in East Cambridgeshire perceiving anti-social behaviour to be a big problem in their area is the lowest in the county, and CCTV has been a key part of this achievement.
“This scheme gives reassurance to the public and has built on public confidence by helping to reduce the fear of crime.”
INFO: If any members of the public would like to join the existing, successful team of volunteers please contact the Clerk to the City of Ely Council at 72 Market Street, Ely for further details. Telephone 01353 661016 or e-mail info@cityofelycouncil.org.uk
Alternatively contact the Clerk to Soham Town Council, PO Box 21, Council Office, The Pavilion, Fountain Lane, Soham. Telephone 01353 723472 or e-mail info@soham-tc.gov.uk.
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