A NEW security system is being installed at Wallingford town hall after a member of the public shouted at information centre staff.

The system, featuring a panic button, is designed to help protect staff in that part of the town hall in Market Place.

Town councillor Lynda Atkins said she and fellow councillors took the decision to invest in the new system after a man walked into the information centre in August and began “shouting aggressively at a member of staff for no reason”.

She added: “I was in the building at the time and could hear the shouting. It’s extremely rare we have a problem like this in Wallingford, but the incident made us realise that there might be more we could do to protect staff.

“As a result we are investing in a new security system. The ladies who work in the information centre will be able to sit behind their desk and press a button to alert a security company and then the police if there is an incident.

“This is all about peace of mind for staff – if there is an extra step we can take to make sure staff are safe then we need to take it.”

Ms Atkins said the panic alarm system was about to be installed.

Town clerk Jamie Baskeyfield said a pendant was also being issued so that staff could raise the alarm if they were too far away from the panic button.

The new system will cost the town council £742.80 plus VAT.

 

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