Five new mobile CCTV cameras will be installed in Walton next week in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour, illegal parking and street drinking.
The cameras were financed through the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, in partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey Police.
They will be installed in Ashley Park, Cowey Sale, Ambleside Avenue, Hepworth Way and the Drewitts Court car park during the week commencing May 27.
Walton was granted a total of £273,000. The funding will also pay for youth outreach programmes and additional security measures in the Drewitts Court car park, including speed bumps, anti-graffiti and urine paint, and improved lighting.
Improvements will also be made to the community garden at the St John’s estate.
As well as deterring rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour, illegal parking and street drinking, the cameras will be used to provide video evidence to Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and the Elmbridge Borough Council environmental enforcement team.
The installation of the cameras is also supported by local businesses, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council. It follows the recent extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for parts of Walton-on-Thames.
Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Safer Streets is a fantastic initiative that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in Walton.
Tackling issues ‘head-on’
“Since I was first elected as Surrey’s Commissioner, I have spoken with thousands of residents and listened to their thoughts about policing in their communities.
“I know that anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crime are key issues for those who live in Walton, and this funding allows us to tackle some of these issues head-on.”
Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, said: “We want our residents and visitors to not only feel safe in Elmbridge but to take pride in our towns, parks and green spaces.
“Having these mobile cameras will act as a deterrent against street drinking, littering and illegal parking, allowing everyone to enjoy our borough.”