CCTV Cameras installed at Homebase roundabout

The Mayor, Peter Clifford, and Police Representatives.

Last week, during a heavy shower of rain,  we officially marked the start of operation of CCTV cameras at the Homebase roundabout, which straddles the boundary between Chilton and Sudbury.

At recent Public Safer Neighbourhood Team Meetings we had received complaints from residents living near to the roundabout that the area was regularly being used as part of a racetrack late at night by certain 'boy racers'.

It proved difficult for the police to catch the drivers responsible, since they do not tend to hang about. Having roared around the roundabout the wrong way a few times,  they generally disappear into the night to irritate someone else and then return later when the coast is clear!  It was therefore decided that the cameras, which have proved very effective elsewhere in the Town, were a good solution. Although the devices are fixed in one position, their visual range is quite wide.   This roundabout is a key part of a circuit for speeding vehicles at night, which takes in the by pass and other roundabouts nearby.  By breaking the link the whole system should become a lot less fun for the young people involved.

County Councillor Colin Spence who part funded the scheme

The cameras have already had an impact.  Although some people think that CCTV cameras interfere with people's human rights, it has to be said that, responsibly used, they do make a difference to safety in the area.  This is particularly true on Friday and Saturday nights when they allow the police to identify problem hot spots, and also supply valuable evidence of crime that would otherwise be hard to obtain.

On this particular subject, it is a little known fact that over 150 local people volunteer to help Sudbury police on a regular basis.  These include CCTV monitors,  Street Watch Wardens, Town Pastors and Speed Watch participants.  (There are also of course Special Constables and Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators, who are not included in this number.)  Most of these roles require people to undergo training and the level of commitment of many of those involved is very high.

 The Police were kind enough to invite all volunteers to a 'thank you' reception at Sudbury Police Station on Thursday evening, and a good time was had by all.

If you are interested in getting involved as a police volunteer you should contact the police station.  I know that there are vacancies for more Speed Watch members in Waldingfield Ward.

The Next Public Safer Neighbourhood Team Meeting will be held at Lavenham Salvation Army Hall on 18th September between 6 and 7 p.m.  If you have any concerns about community safety in the West Babergh area, come along and have your say.