Residents and businesses in Marlborough are to be questioned about whether CCTV is needed in the town. And business owners are to be asked to put their hands in their pockets to help fund the scheme.
Following a meeting with four potential suppliers of a CCTV system, Marlborough Town Council has launched an online consultation from its website – www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk
The consultation document simply asks for a yes / no response to the question ‘Do you support the Town Council’s decision to have CCTV in Marlborough?’ although a second box is provided for ‘further comments’.
“We are keen that Marlborough continues to be a safe place to live, work and visit, and need to know if you agree that an effective, legally compliant and value for money CCTV system is needed and installed in the town as part of an overall package in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and to improve community safety,” visitors to the consultation are told.
“It’s not an easy decision with costs, requirements around the Protection of Freedoms and Data Protection laws and the actual levels of crime all having to be taken into consideration.
“Initial estimated costs are likely to be in the region of £25,000 to £35,000. Alongside installation, there will also be ongoing maintenance costs. The Town Council has already ring-fenced £20,000 towards this through savings and is working alongside the Chamber of Commerce to identify external funds. We are now looking at proposals from suppliers.
“Prior to signing any contract, we feel that it’s important to have your views on the overall principle of having CCTV in the town.”
A similar consultation exercise will be undertaken by Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, who will be asking for responses from town centre businesses during the next fortnight.
A committee meeting last week heard that only the High Street would be covered by the initial scheme, meaning business owners in Hughenden Yard, Hilliers Yard, Kingsbury Street, The Parade and London Road would be excluded.
The meeting heard that support for CCTV was high, particularly following the raid at Deacon’s jewellery store. But the litmus test will come with the letter – shop and business owners will be asked whether they would each be prepared to contribute £50 towards the overall costs.
Alex Minoudis, president of the Chamber of Commerce, writes: “The Chamber has been lobbying for several years on behalf of traders for the installation of CCTV in the High Street. I am pleased to report that there is now some momentum gathering for the scheme.
“CCTV comes with installation costs and on-going maintenance expenses. The Council is accountable to local taxpayers for how it spends their money and understandably needs to look carefully at how the whole town, not just the High Street, benefits from this.
“The time has come for all local businesses to decide whether they are also prepared to support the project financially.
“The Chamber feels that if all Marlborough High Street businesses were prepared to contribute a minimum of just £50, then CCTV would become a viable prospect with costs shared between local residents and the business community.
“Once we have assessed your response we can determine if the project remains viable and contact you again to discuss payment arrangements.”
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