Tameside CCTV Mystery Solved!

The reason why CCTV equipment was installed in Ravenwood outside Poplar Primary School in Tameside has been revealed.

06:24 14 May 2021

Residents have raised concern after they have noticed that video cameras were mysteriously placed outside a primary school. School staff, who did not have the information behind the move, has advised parents to cover their children's faces as they leave the school until police are able to investigate and remove the equipment. 

 

But just as residents were preparing to take action, a sign was installed on the post providing explanation as to why the cameras were installed.

 

The sign says: "CCTV in operation. This video collection is being undertaken by TRL Limited as part of a review of this crossing on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester.

 

"Data is collected for the purpose of understanding pedestrian and motorist behaviour."

 

Councillor Oliver Ryan, who previously threatened to cut them down, said: "I'm very pleased to have got to the bottom of this local mystery, I live close by myself on Denton Road and had wondered what they were.

 

"For all the residents, school kids and parents, I'm relieved to know they're nothing dodgy. Thanks to all the residents who called me or messaged me through Facebook to report it too.

 

"Shows the strength of our Audenshaw neighbourhood though, when me and a couple of residents would've cut them down had we not found out what they were - we pull together here."

 

A TfGM spokesperson said: “They are temporary traffic monitoring cameras installed as part of a project Tameside Council is running in partnership with TfGM.

 

"The contract stated that a sign be installed to explain what the cameras are for and local residents have been notified.

 

“We apologise for any confusion and will work with the council to rectify this as a matter of urgency.”