Cameras aim to deter vandalism at St Mary's

Video cameras have been switched on at St Mary's Church to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Newtown Town Council has installed CCTV  equipment following a number of incidents of damage.

Ed Humphreys, Town Clerk, said: “Your town council provides and maintains St Mary's and its gardens as a recreational facility for anyone to enjoy, but antisocial behaviour can spoil that and vandalism is expensive to the public purse.

"CCTV may not be a full remedy to either, but it might go some way to deter or act as evidence for the police to investigate and help preserve St Mary's and gardens as a Newtown attraction and gem."

Located beside the River Severn, St Mary’s Church isa  13th century former parish church. Within the grounds is the Pryce family mausoleum and outside the church walls is the grave of Robert Owen, the social reformer and founder of the Co-operative movement.

 

Photo: Damage caused at St Mary's Church