Halesworth Town Centre CCTV

CCTV cameras may soon be installed in Halesworth town centre if proposals are approved.

11:30 06 August 2020

Proposals to install security cameras on Abbotts Estate Agents in the Thoroughfare and Wine Shop in Market Place have been submitted by Halesworth Town Council in a bid to clamp down on anti-social behaviour. 

 

According to the planning applications, which were submitted to East Suffolk Council, the cameras will be paid for with Community Infrastructure Levy funding from previous developments. The proposal is supported by the community as the number of police in the streets was reduced due to budget issues in recent years. Meanwhile, Suffolk police said they had given Halesworth Town council their "full support" towards the scheme. 

 

David Wollweber, chairman of Halesworth Town Council, said: "We used to have a regular presence of PCSOs and police, but there have been cuts. 

 

"They will be there as a deterrent to some of the relatively low-level crime that happens from time to time, but also to try and future proof the town against crime in a time when the police have less of a presence." 

 

Tony Goldson, Suffolk county councillor for Halesworth, said: "This is a preventative and cautionary measure. We're trying to retain Halesworth as a nice place to shop and live. We want to make it safe." 

 

"Our businesses have put a lot of effort into their shops, and the town is thriving every day the market is on. 

 

"But you do occasionally get one or two people being anti-social.

 

"Halesworth is a lovely place to be - we want to retain its individuality."