CCTV service 'integral part' of keeping people safe

The town council says the CCTV has helped with arrests

More than 70 arrests were made after assaults were picked up on CCTV in Bridgwater over the past year, the local council has said.

Bridgwater Town Council took on funding the CCTV from Somerset Council in 2024, after the latter said it needed to offload some services in an effort to balance its books.

As well as the service leading to 71 arrests, the council said it also helped find 27 missing people and identify wanted individuals 52 times.

The council said the statistics show "a coordinated effort to keep Bridgwater a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and visit."

While part of Bridgwater Town Council's precept pays for the CCTV service, it is still operated by Somerset Town Council who staff it 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, 365 days-a-year.

Bridgwater Town Council's chief executive officer David Mears said the service was an "integral part" of making the area safer and provided "valuable support" to the police.

Mr Mears added: "It's a lot of money, there's no two ways about it - it's £170,000 approximately a year to part fund this service... but it's absolutely crucial for community safety."

He said towns and villages in Somerset all pay Somerset Council to keep the service running, paying in proportion to the number of cameras each area has - with Bridgwater having the highest.

"It's made a huge difference," Mr Mears added.

The council said in the last 12 months, the CCTV had:

• Led to 71 assault arrests

• Identified wanted individuals 52 times

• Tracked 43 live incidents

• Located 27 missing people

• Monitored incidents related to drink driving, drugs and weapons