Local town centres are set to follow Welshpool’s lead and switch back on their CCTV, after a change of heart from Dyfed-Powys Police.
Four years ago the force decided to cut costs by switching off the cameras, citing that they weren’t cost effective.
But Welshpool Town Council, following a public survey, saw different and took on the responsibility, and cost, of keeping the cameras running. Now it seems that step will be followed across the force area but it is unclear who will foot the bill.
“We have already been in discussions with the Police, and our system will be reviewed very soon,” said Town Clerk, Robert Robinson, who didn’t indicate whether the town would be looking to recoup the £5,000 annual costs of maintaining the system.
New Police & Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has now begun his review to consider the plan for implementing new CCTV across the whole area.
He said: “I am delighted that one of my key priorities for delivery is underway and I look forward to the force-wide review of CCTV across all counties being progressed.
“I do not intend to simply switch the old cameras back on, but instead look to see which areas will most benefit from CCTV. Communities and their focal points have changed since old infrastructures were put in place – we need to ensure that the cameras are in the places they should be in, according to today’s needs.
“We will roll this out gradually across the counties and ensure we make the most of our learning as we go - key partners working together to get this right now, will keep people safe for years to come.”
T/Assistant Chief Constable Pam Kelly added: “CCTV cameras are of a much better quality compared to those that were utilised many years ago, therefore, there is a strong likelihood that there will be a reduction in the number of cameras utilised, without compromising on the level of coverage we can achieve.”