Drayton

Following a significant spate of anti-social behaviour at the Longdale Playing Field in Drayton, the Parish Council has installed a new, high quality CCTV system at the Playing Field.

Covering all areas of the open space including the sports pitches, 3G and play area, the HD images will give the Council and Police the ability to identify those individuals who are wilfully damaging and destroying the community facilities that should be available to everyone. The Council has a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and footage will be immediately passed to the Police, working with educational establishments to identify the perpetrators and bring them to account.

Chairman of Open Spaces and Property Committee Councillor Adrian Crotch said “I am pleased that Drayton PC has now upgraded its CCTV systems to incorporate the latest technology. The incorporation of Night Vision Cameras and ANPR will help to protect the amenities we have at Longdale following periods of vandalism by local youths.  Should there be any further vandalism the Parish Council will be looking to secure prosecutions with the benefit of the new protection.”

The CCTV was installed at a cost of over £4,000 – a significantly lower sum than the costs needed to repair and replace damaged items.

The introduction of the new system has already seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour, showing that this is an effective deterrent. It has been widely welcomed by users of the field, as well as local Police Officers in the area. Any local residents experiencing anti-social behaviour in the area should immediately call the Police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency).