Council to find cash for CCTV cameras in car park (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Council to find cash for CCTV cameras in car park

10:41am Friday 28th November 2003 in News By Lucy Oldham

HAMPTON Police Liaison Group were overjoyed on Tuesday evening when Richmond upon Thames Council announced they would foot the bill of 40,000 for CCTV cameras to be installed in Sainsbury's car park on Tangley Park Road - near Hampton Community Centre and the site for the new Shooting Star Hospice.

Kay Waddell, the liaison group's spokeswoman, said: "Everyone is delighted. The council will agree next Tuesday to purchase CCTV for 40,000 and will monitor it 24 hours a day. They'll also pay an annual maintenance cost of 6,000.

"We're simply overwhelmed by this. The council have really listened to all our concerns, taken them on board and done something about it. Cameras will now be installed by the end of the financial year."

Sainsbury's car park is notoriously dark and there have been ongoing concerns over criminal activity, particularly muggings.

Hampton Police Liaison Group, chaired by Dave Wallace, has been running for nine months and continues to attract the support of residents and local businesses - including a small grant from the Hampton Fuel Allotment Fund. Campaigning for CCTV outside Sainsbury's has been prominent on their agenda. Kay Waddell added: "We're trying to work together to make Hampton a nice, safe place to live and this shows things are heading in the right direction."

Deputy council leader Geoffrey Samuel is one of three councillors in the Hampton North Ward who have fought hard for the CCTV cameras. "We are delighted the council have found the money for this," he said.

"People in Hampton have been particularly fearful and apprehensive since the murder of Marsha McDonnell and this is a another way we can help to support them."