Criticism for Harrogate CCTV Locations 

The leader of the opposition on Harrogate Borough Council says CCTV camera locations ‘outrageous’.

06:58 12 March 2020

Lib Dem councillor Pat Marsh, the leader of the opposition on Harrogate Borough Council, spoke at a meeting saying that using 27 cameras to monitor a new multi-million pound headquarters but only three at the region’s public parks, is outrageous. 

 

Addressing Julia Stack, the council’s community safety and CCTV manager, Councillor Marsh said: “You are doing an incredible job under the circumstances, but I would like to put on record my disappointment that you are not getting more funding. It is a very valuable service and I am saddened it has got a reduction.

 

“And having 27 cameras covering this building, but only three in our parks, is just outrageous.”

 

Conservative councillor Nick Brown agreed that the amount of cameras being used to monitor the Civic Centre is “quite a lot” - before adding “there are rather more pressing areas” they could be located. 

 

As well as budget cuts, the district’s CCTV service has also seen its staff numbers shrink from eight to five. 

 

Mrs Stack said: “Historically we have had eight members of staff so we are doing really well to carry on.

 

“It is open 24 hours, all year round, but there are times to be fair when we are not able to be fully staffed. Running the service with five people is quite a challenge.”