In support of safer streets in Walton-on-Thames, 5 mobile CCTV cameras are being installed in the town during the week of 27 May.
The cameras will be installed in the following locations:
- Ashley Park
- Cowey Sale
- Ambleside Avenue
- Hepworth Way
- Drewitts Court car park
Financing for the cameras was secured as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund by Elmbridge Borough Council, working in partnership with Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.
The total grant of £273,000 for Walton will also pay for youth outreach programmes and security measures in the Drewitts Court car park, including speed bumps, anti-graffiti and urine paint and improved lighting. Improvements will also be made to the community garden at the St John’s estate.
The aim of the deployable cameras is not only to deter anti-social behaviour such as rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour, illegal parking and street drinking, but also to provide video evidence if needed for Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and the Elmbridge Borough Council environmental enforcement team.
The installation of the cameras is also supported by local businesses, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council and follows the recent extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for parts of Walton-on-Thames.
Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy is pleased to support this work: “We want our residents and visitors to not only feel safe in Elmbridge but to take pride in our towns, parks and green spaces. Having these mobile cameras will act as a deterrent against street drinking, littering and illegal parking, allowing everyone to enjoy our borough.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Safer Streets is a fantastic initiative that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in Walton. Since I was first elected as Surrey’s Commissioner, I have spoken with thousands of residents and listened to their thoughts about policing in their communities. I know that anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crime are key issues for those who live in Walton, and this funding allows us to tackle some of these issues head-on.”