NEW CCTV IS COMING TO HIGH ST
Delight at security boost in town centre
Security measures are set to be beefed-up in the centre of Crieff.
Funding for CCTV covering the heart of the town was included in Perth and Kinross Council’s recently-agreed budget plans for 2021/22, which were approved by elected members at a virtual meeting on Wednesday last week.
A total of £ 40,000 was earmarked for the project, which was initially proposed by a combined independent/ Labour group before being included in the Conservativeled administration’s final plans following discussions.
Strathearn ward independent member, Councillor Rhona Brock, was behind the proposal and said she was pleased agreement could be reached across political
party lines. She said: “Residents and businesses in Crieff have been telling me they would like CCTV on our High Street to give everyone a greater sense of safety.
“This year I ensured £ 40,000 was included in the independent/ Scottish Labour group budget amendment for new community safety measures in Crieff to deliver on my election promises.
“Unfortunately, our amendment was voted down in the first round – however, I was pleased to be able to reach an agreement with Cllr Murray Lyle, leader of the council, to incorporate these measures into the final administration budget.
“This means Crieff will now get its CCTV.”
Although no specific timescale has been give at this stage, Crieff Succeeds manager David McCann welcomed the development.
He said: “Crieff Succeeds has advocated long and hard for the introduction of CCTV to Crieff town centre, not only for the benefit of local businesses but also that of the wider community, and we are therefore absolutely delighted with this news.
“The introduction of town centre CCTV is not of course just about apprehension after the fact, it is also about prevention and a greater sense of safety and security – for both the businesses situated within the town centre and for those using it.
“Crieff is a safe and welcoming place to be, this announcement just made it even more so.”
Cllr Brock continued: “Safety has always been a priority for me and I was delighted to reach an agreement in 2017 with the late Ian Campbell, then leader of the council, to provide £375,000 in funding for road safety measures at the Broich Road junction.
“This has already made a real difference to the area and I’m sure the new CCTV will also make both residents and visitors alike feel safer.”