More CCTV cameras to cover town

Safety group tables plan for expansion of network

Campaigners working to improve safety in Fraserburgh have revealed where six new CCTV cameras will be deployed in the town centre.

The Fraserburgh CCTV Working Group has moved forward with its £60,000 scheme by submitting plans to Aberdeenshire Council to install the devices at strategic spots.

Under the proposals, the equipment will be set up at three locations on Broad Street – at the Iceland, Semichem and on a lamppost.

There will be another one put in place at the

Garden Pharmacy on Mid Street, one at the bus station on Hanover Street and at the Fraserburgh Old Parish Church.

Brian Topping, chairman of the CCTV group, said: “The cameras won’t stop crime from happening but it will help catch people out and bring them to justice. Sheriffs have said before that it has helped with certain cases.

“Not only do cameras help people feel safe, it can also benefit shopkeepers.

“Of course, it’s not something we can guarantee, but having a

CCTV camera by a shop can help reduce their insurance.”

Last September, the council approved a £60,000 grant to pay for the cameras but the CCTV group needed to raise £10,000 themselves.

Mr Topping, who is also a Fraserburgh and District councillor, last night said that fundraising efforts to ensure the cameras remain in place for years to come are ongoing.

He said: “There’s still a lot more we need to raise as we need to think beyond five years when the cameras will need replaced.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this and I’m hugely grateful for the support.”

Police have previously advised on several locations where CCTV cameras would be most beneficial.

If the planning application is approved, Mr Topping hopes to have the new cameras installed for Christmas.

An employee at the bus station in Fraserburgh added: “I definitely think it’s a good idea for more CCTV cameras to be installed around the town.

“It’s obviously good for keeping people safe, and it’ll help the police if the cameras are installed in the right places where it’ll catch people.”

Garden Pharmacy on Mid Street is a proposed location