Just 27 out of 63 CCTVs are working
FEWER than half of a South Wales county’s 63 CCTV cameras are currently functional, it has been revealed.
New cameras could be installed across Blaenau Gwent to replace the current system which is described as “outdated” and “not fit for purpose.”
The current network is ageing and runs on an older analogue technology. There are just 27 functional cameras out of a total of 63.
Monitoring of CCTV images was transferred to Newport City Council in 2014 under a five-year agreement, and has brought savings of £271,000 per year.
Although the provision of CCTV is not required under legislation, Blaenau Gwent council is responsible for repair and replacement of cameras. It is also responsible for the power supply from street lighting for the cameras, and the BT contract which provides the network connection.
A council report says there are currently no cameras in operation in Brynmawr due to power and connectivity issues with the CCTV equipment being housed in the former library building.
There is also an issue with cameras in Blaina as the equipment is stored in the district office which is up for sale.
The report says there are no functional cameras in Ebbw Vale, Brynmawr, Blaina or Cwm. Fourteen cameras are located in Ebbw Vale, six in Brynmawr, four in Blaina and two in Cwm – but none of them currently work.
“The server housed in the civic centre which is used to transmit images to
Fewer than half of a county’s CCTV cameras are currently functional
Newport no longer works and beyond repair,” the report says.
“It is not possible to source a direct replacement as this type of server is obsolete and no longer produced.
“A temporary server is on loan from Newport’s maintenance provider but only allows transmission of images to the control room and no current recording facility which requires additional investment.”
Three options will be available for is councillors when the review of CCTV operations comes before a full council meeting next Wednesday.
The preferred choice in a council report is to upgrade by purchasing new high-definition cameras, use wireless technology to improve image quality and reduce signal transmission costs by replacing the current BT Redcare contract.
Discussions have taken place with Gwent Police on this option, who have said they are happy for the council to reduce the number of cameras from 63 to 36, including four mobile cameras. However, the police have said they are not able to provide any money for an upgrade.
Capital costs of £150,000 are needed to introduce the new system, although yearly savings of £66,000 are expected.
Other options are to end the CCTV service and remove the cameras, or to repair the existing system.