New CCTV cameras to be installed in trouble-hit Oxford Road area of Hartlepool

Proposals have been approved by Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to install eight metre tall CCTV columns at three sites around Oxford Road.

One will be located on Oxford Road itself, while cameras will also be stationed in nearby Shrewsbury Street and Eton Street.

The plans, submitted by council officer Andrew Dent, state dome cameras will be used to minimise understanding upon where cameras are actually monitoring, to help deter crime.

Reports from council planning officer Stephanie Bell confirm the plans for the three cameras have been approved, adding they should help tackle crime in the area.

She 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 antisocial behaviour and acts of vandalism.

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

Planning documents noted the CCTV camera columns will feature anti-climb attachments and anti-ram bollards to protect them.

It will have a black finish to match the installed lighting columns and a separate black finish control cabinet base due to the large amount of control equipment required.

A design and access statement also stresses how the council would be operating the cameras legally, while respecting the privacy of residents and following all laws and regulations.

It added: “We have chosen to use CCTV columns of a height and design to match with the local environment and to provide adequate views of the local area.”

It comes as proposals have also been submitted to the council planning department to help tackle crime by installing anti-climb attachments on top of 38 alley gates across the Burn Valley area.

It was announced in 2020 Hartlepool’s Burn Valley, including Oxford Road and adjacent ‘ladder’ streets, would be one of three areas receiving funding for a major overhaul in crime prevention measures.

This would include improved alley gates, increased CCTV and street lighting, and came after Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner helped secure £1,034,696 from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which aims to prevent crime.

Planning documents noted Burn Valley was selected for funding due to having the highest residential burglary rate of the entire Cleveland area, at 40.09, per 1,000 population.

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