Library CCTV could help stop anti-social behaviour

WESTBURY Town Council is looking at installing CCTV at the library in a bid to stop anti-social behaviour in the town.

At a policy and resources committee meeting of Westbury town council, councillors discussed the idea of installing CCTV at the library as they say that this is where a lot of anti-social behaviour occurs.

This additional camera would provide complete coverage of the High Street as it would cover the area behind the library and Soisy Gardens, as well as linking with the camera on the High Street and Haynes Road. Westbury will also get a revamped and upgraded CCTV system in the new year.

Some of the anti-social behaviour that is being reported includes objects being throw at cars, abusive language, littering, setting a small fire behind the library, and more recently causing £5,000 worth of damage through vandalism of the public toilets.

Speaking at the meeting, cllr Sheila Kimmins said, “This is the hot-spot for anti-social behaviour in the town so if we can get this monitored, I think we will see results. I feel particularly sorry for the residents who we heard from earlier in the year, who had to deal with hearing abusive language and things being thrown around while they were sat in their gardens.

“Once this group realises that the police are turning up because they’ve been seen to do something anti-social on the CCTV, they will learn quickly that that issue is being taken seriously. This will also act as a deterrent.”

Cllr Gordon King added, “Considering the number of complaints we have all received about the behaviour behind the library, this camera should prove its worth.”

If approved, the camera will be paid for by Wiltshire Council, but any future costs to replace it would fall to the town council if the camera should need replacing outside of its warranty.