More than £88,000 worth of investment in improved CCTV and more cameras for Keynsham is being considered, to better increase the reliability and coverage of the system.
Bath and North East Somerset Council is recommending improvements to the system which needs updating for greater reliability and better coverage of the area.
Councillor Charles Gerrish, (Conservative Keynsham North) cabinet member for finance and efficiency and Councillor Mark Shelford (Cabinet Member for Transport and environment) are being asked to approve the project which will see the old microwave link replaced and additional cameras installed.
Currently the council has a number of CCTV cameras in the Keynsham area, to help reduce crime and manage public protection, and these are monitored around the clock from the council’s control room by a microwave link.
However the microwave link has become unreliable and the new scheme, if approved, would see the removal of the microwave mast, at Sulis Meadow, and replaced with a more resilient wireless network.
It would see some existing cameras connected to the new network; new cameras installed at Hicks Gate roundabout; new cameras at the railway bridge near the Keynsham Station; the park in Keynsham and all existing public space cameras in the area upgraded to the new wireless network.
Councillor Gerrish said: “I have been asked to consider this investment which would enhance the CCTV in the town centre where there has been a significant increase in anti-social behaviour and growing public concern about it. The scheme would also, provide more flexibility and is more reliable.”
Money for the scheme will come from the Cadbury site Section 106 funding agreement.
A decision about the project is expected on or after 21st February.