Luton & Wayfield councillors Sam Craven, Christine Godwin and Tristan Osborne have welcomed the announcement today of funding for additional CCTV units for Luton.
The three councillors have been working for several months with local PACTs (Partners and Communities Together), police, residents and local business to call for improved CCTV coverage for the area after numerous complaints that not enough was being done.
The announcement of additional CCTV units comes on the back of successful work by the three councillors in conjunction with the police to install alley-gates and extend the Dispersal Zone.
Local businessman, Jonathan Primett:
“I am delighted with the news that funding for much-needed CCTV in Luton has been secured, in large thanks to the hard work of Labour ward councillors and local campaigners.
“This investment in CCTV is key to improved community safety and will have a positive impact on the quality of life for local residents”
Cllr Sam Craven, on behalf of the ward Councillors:
“We welcome the news for funding for additional CCTV cameras for Luton Road and wish to thank local residents, PACTs and the local police for their ongoing support”
“Our initial attempts to push for the installation of new cameras were rebuffed when Cllr Mike O’Brien, the Cabinet member responsible for community safety, said that 22 reported crimes was not adequate to warrant spending any money on dealing with crime in the area.
“So in response the Luton & Wayfield team submitted a Member Priority Fund bid in March, as we felt this did not take into the account the significant amount of underreporting of criminality in the area, and the real problem experienced by residents.
“We will be working now to ensure the cameras are situated in the best locations.
“However we also recognise that there is a significant culture of under-reporting in the ward and would urge residents who do see a crime to report this on 101″
L-R: Cllrs Sam Craven, Tristan Osborne and Christine Godwin
