Crime and anti-social behaviour in Madeley could soon be a thing of the past after town officials were given more than £55,000 for CCTV.
Plans are being drawn up to install up-to-date 24 hour CCTV in the town after Madelely Partnership group were awarded £55,846 from Telford & Wrekin Borough Towns Initiative programme.
In the past Madeley has been victim to anti-social behaviour and vandalism and it’s hoped new cameras will curb this activity and encourage new businesses into the town.
It’s also hoped they will ‘reassure shoppers and residents, deter crime and anti-social behaviour and help detect future crime’.
Kath Petty, Parish Clerk for Madeley Parish Council, said: “This is another piece in the jigsaw that will see Madeley as the premier shopping destination for the whole of South of Telford and beyond.”
West Mercia Police are supporting the CCTV and given £2,000 from the Community Policing Board.
Inspector Derek Holland from the South Telford Local Policing Team said cameras help in gathering evidence of those committing crime or antisocial behaviour.
“In the past, Madeley Centre has had incidents of criminal damage, anti social behaviour and commercial burglaries reported to the police,” he said.
“While I can’t predict any future criminal related activity within the centre the implementation of CCTV could deter such incidents from occurring.
“It could also prevent crime or anti-social behaviour and could also have the added benefit of providing reassurance to the local community. “
Members of Fletcher Memorial Methodist Church, on Madeley High Street, say they welcome the news. Their church has seen vandalism in the past.
A church spokesperson said: “I think the cameras will be good and not just for us because there are going to be so many new buildings. I think It would be splendid.”
Stephen Platt, owner of Wac Tackle, on Anstice Square, said: “I think CCTV can be a good idea.”
Councillor Gill Green said: “This is really good news and will insure security in our centre will be much improved.”
Councillor Eric Carter, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and prosperity, said:”This is great news for residents and visitors to Madeley and in keeping with the spirit of the BTI scheme, which strives to work with the local communities to improve borough towns and make them safer, more attractive, and more accessible for everyone.”
