7:00am Sunday 16th April 2006
By Phil Hill
CRIMINALS in Taunton and Wellington are being warned: We'll be watching you, 24/7'.
CCTV cameras will be operational around the clock in the two towns from late summer.
But the watching eyes will be several miles away in Bridgwater.
Taunton Deane Council has signed a deal with Sedgemoor District Council for specialist officers to monitor pictures from the 59 cameras in Taunton and Wellington.
Currently, parking attendants and other staff inspect CCTV pictures during limited daytime and evening hours.
But council officers and police are keen to extend the operation to step up the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly late at night.
The new system will also provide a live video link from the Bridgwater control centre to Taunton Police Station.
Taunton Deane Crime and Disorder Partnership is putting up £20,000 towards CCTV enhancements, while police are contributing £10,000. The council will cover running costs.
The district council has held talks with businesses and local authorities to reassure them the switch to Sedgemoor will not result in a deterioration in the service.
Cllr Joanna Lewin-Harris, the council's executive member for community leadership, said: "Monitoring our CCTV cameras 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a direct link to Taunton police headquarters will help ensure people can enjoy Taunton's and Wellington's night time entertainment safely and confidently.
"The partnership with Sedgemoor gives us a much enhanced CCTV service and represents good value for money."
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