CCTV's for Wythenshawe Hall

13 new CCTV cameras to be installed at Wythenshawe Hall following arson attack.

18:43 13 February 2018

Wythenshawe Hall, which suffered £5.2million damage when it was set on fire in March 2016, will be protected by 13 new CCTV cameras. The Manchester City Council has applied for planning permission to protect the Grade II listed building against future attacks.

 

According to reports, 28-year-old arsonist Jeremy Taylor stuffed newspapers around drainpipes and doors and set five separate fires in the building. The blaze spread through the entrance wall and upwards onto the first and second floors and out through the roof. Taylor was jailed for four-and-a-half-years following his conviction. 

 

A design and access statement said: “The installation of CCTV cameras is considered vital to safeguard the heritage significance of Wythenshawe Hall.

 

“Due to the recent fire the building has become particularly vulnerable.

 

“Best efforts have been made to reduce the visual impact that the installation of the CCTV system might cause, including the re-use of existing pole mounts, and the situation of new ones away from key lines of sight and approaches.

 

“However, their locations have also been chosen in order to provide the most comprehensive security coverage possible.

 

“Two more cameras require direct intervention with the historic fabric of the hall, in addition to the two that were previously given planning permission in 2017.”