CCTV monitoring U-turn

NOTTINGHAM City Council will continue to monitor CCTV cameras around the clock after a U-turn over proposals.

The authority’s troubled financial situation had seen its CCTV operation put under the spotlight.

Currently, more than 200 cameras are monitored 24 hours a day by a number of operators at their council hub in Radford.

The proposal was not to reduce the number of cameras or switch them off, but to stop monitoring them for 24 hours a day.

If the plan had moved forward, it could have saved £100,000 a year. But the council has decided to scrap the proposals after talks with Nottinghamshire Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping.

However, it could still reduce the amount of staff who monitor these cameras.

Councillor Neghat Khan, portfolio holder for community protection for the council, said: “We have undertaken a review of how we can continue to actively monitor public space cameras while making the savings needed.

“Significant work has been under way, identifying potential technical solutions, which has led to a transformation of how the team will operate.

“This will mean that staffing numbers will be reduced but the active monitoring of cameras can still continue 24/7.

“This approach allows us to deliver the same level of service, to help keep people safe in Nottingham.”

Mr Tipping said: “I am pleased 24/7 CCTV camera monitoring will remain. It is this evidence we take to court – you can’t argue with the footage.”