New Cameras for Chester Rows

CCTV to be used to clamp down on anti-social behaviour on historic Chester Rows.

22:24 23 September 2020

Community and business leaders have decided to install new CCTV cameras on Chester's historic Rows following strings of social behaviour in the area, which include 'aggressive begging, drug-dealing, street drinking, drug-taking and even one recent example of full sexual intercourse'. 

 

The scheme, which will see the installation of 10 new CCTV cameras on the Rows on Northgate Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street, and Watergate Street, is fully supported by Cheshire West and Chester Community Safety Partnership, the council's Housing Team, Aberdeen Standard Investments and CH1Chester BID. 

 

Councillor Karen Shore, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: "This is wonderful news and contributes to the city's Purple Flag Status. The cameras will be subject to planning approval and their locations have been selected to minimise the visual impact on listed buildings. 

 

"The use of CCTV cameras will be beneficial for residents, local businesses, and visitors, by providing an effective means of deterring and detecting crime and public disorder. 

 

"Using CCTV can significantly reduce the resources required to investigate alleged crimes. It will also help protect these historic timber structures from fire risk and damage."