CCTV System Questioned

Controversy has sprung up again about the CCTV system that is currently in operation at Ashmore Park Shopping Parade.

Councillor Phil Bateman said “At the recent meeting of the Ashmore Park Police Liaison Committee residents complained that one of the cameras was constantly pointing at the Library Wall. They allege that youngsters did not believe that the cameras were working and that encouraged them to continue with anti social behaviour. Other residents were convinced that the cameras were not being monitored.

Certainly there appeared to be no action taking place that could be tied to the monitoring of the CCTV systems. Many were of the opinion that the large sums of money that the Counciltax payer had put into the system development was not being realised in the way it should be.

West Midlands Police agreed to check with the Maltings where the Command and Control Centre is based just to check what was being recorded and what was not.

What is certain is that there is a very strong suspicion the system is worthless and is not in use. I have agreed to investigate the matter and respond.”