Leys gets CCTV after 20 year wait (From The Oxford Times)

Leys gets CCTV after 20 year wait

6:20am Tuesday 15th December 2009

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SHOPKEEPERS and neighbours on an Oxford estate are celebrating the end of a 20-year wait for CCTV.

Two cameras outside Top Shops in Blackbird Leys Road, Blackbird Leys, and in Dunnock Way, Greater Leys, go live today.

They will be hooked up to a control centre at St Aldate’s Police Station and will monitor all the comings and goings outside the shops 24 hours a day.

Last night, traders were hoping the new technology, installed by Oxford City Council, would make people feel safer and boost trade.

Delteys Supermarket owner Paul Whitman said: “We are just glad the time has come around.

“I have been here since 1976, and about 20 years ago we agreed these cameras to be put in because the police wanted them.

“We had a meeting at the back of the church with all the shopkeepers. It was agreed – and never done.”

Mr Whitman said he was often visited by police asking to view his in-store CCTV in their hunt for criminals.

“Now they will be able to see the CCTV and see what’s going on without having to come in,” he added.

“I hope it will make people feel safer and they can come into the store at any time knowing that the police are monitoring the cameras at all times.”

Philomena Doherty, supervisor of Lloyds Pharmacy, said: “It’s good news, I just hope it doesn’t move the trouble elsewhere.”

Linda Edwards, manager of Nash’s Bakery, said: “There are a lot of people hanging around. Hopefully it will mean my door won’t get glued again. I’ve had it glued twice – they put superglue on the bolts to the shutters.

“It will probably make more people come in the shop, if they feel safer walking around, they will use the facilities.”

Oxford City Council’s south east area committee and Oxford Safer Communities Partnership has allocated £26,000 for the cameras.

Insp Andy Storey, in charge of policing on the estate, said: “It is a well known area for drug-taking and antisocial behaviour and by putting the cameras it should deter them, so we should see a decrease in that type of crime in these areas.”

Councillor Saj Malik, city council board member for safer communities, added: “Improving community safety is a priority.

“After listening to residents and the Leys Neighbourhood Action Group concerns, the council and its partners agreed to fund the purchase and installation of the cameras. These cameras will help to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and improve community safety in Blackbird Leys.”

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