CCTV scheme was delayed over building ownership

Some new sites for the planned CCTV system in Newtown had to be found following problems relating to the ownership of buildings, it has emerged.

Work has now started on the installation of cameras in the town after a delay.

It follows a campaign over the past 18 months to have a new system installed following a spate of assaults, burglaries and other criminal activity.

MyNewtown reported last week that the Dyfed Powys Police funded scheme was now underway and likely to be operational within the next two months.

Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, has welcomed the news.

"We have not had sufficient CCTV in Newtown, so I am pleased that the new high-definition CCTV system for the town is now being installed and should be completed by the end of this month.

He said: "I'm disappointed by delays due to unexpected problems relating to the ownership of buildings which were earmarked for use as part of this programme and the CCTV programme has now been redesigned. The positioning of cameras is clearly an operational matter for the Police, but I’m aware that a number of location suggestions had been made, and I hope that these suggestions have been taken into account.

"I hope that this news will also be welcomed by residents and businesses following a number of incidences of anti-social behaviour, assaults, burglaries and other crimes in the town.

"As a result of the new system, I hope that we will see a reduction in these incidences and that it will assist the police in protecting the public from anti-social behaviour and crime.

“I’m due to meet the Chief Inspector for Powys Operations soon to discuss the new system and wider matters.”