New CCTV approved for Hartlepool's Church Square - with clever cameras which will keep wrongdoers guessing

Hartlepool Borough Council officers submitted proposals earlier this year to the area’s planning department for the CCTV to be installed near The Northern School of Art in Church Square.

It comes after a report to the council Finance and Policy Committee last year said there was money remaining in the neighbourhood investment programme for CCTV at key town sites, such as Church Square and the Waterfront.

This came as an extension to a scheme to install CCTV in Seaton Park, Rossmere Park, Burn Valley Gardens and Ward Jackson Park, which was delivered using funding previously allocated for barrier works.

Plans for the CCTV to be installed at the Church Square site have now been approved, with a report from council planning officer Stephanie Bell stating the proposals could help crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

It said: “It is considered that the installation of the proposed CCTV camera would increase surveillance and therefore potentially help deter incidences of crime and disorder, particularly anti-social behaviour and acts of vandalism.

“The council’s Community Safety Team has advised that the necessary regulations will be adhered to in the provision and operation of the CCTV.

“On balance, it is considered that the proposed development is acceptable in terms of visual amenity, neighbouring amenity, community safety, highway safety and other planning matters.”

Plans state dome cameras have been chosen for the site to ‘minimise local persons understanding upon where cameras are actually monitoring’.

They also note if required the cameras can have privacy zones inserted to avoid views into residential areas.

A design and access statement from the council states the equipment used will be in keeping and appropriate for the area.

It said: “We have chosen to use CCTV equipment to match with the local environment and to provide adequate views of the local area.”

One objection to the plans had been submitted by a resident, raising concerns CCTV camera operatives could not effectively monitor the cameras used by the council.

However council officers reassured they will fully comply with relevant CCTV and privacy policies to monitor the site effectively.

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