CCTV cameras upgrade approved

Cameras across Oxfordshire will be coordinated at a single hub

A £250,000 upgrade to CCTV cameras in an area of Oxfordshire has been approved in a push to protect communities.

Cherwell District Council agreed to new high-definition models of its 63 cameras at a meeting on Monday.

The authority has joined the Thames Valley CCTV partnership, which could save it £10,000 a year.

The changes mean the local authority will still make financial contributions to CCTV in the district but Thames Valley Police has taken ownership of the cameras.

Cameras across Oxfordshire will be co-ordinated at a single hub, which will have more staffing to support more effective, real-time monitoring of footage.

Councillor Rob Parkinson, portfolio holder for safer communities at Cherwell District Council, said: “A modern CCTV network is a key element in protecting our communities.

"CCTV helps us all to feel safer, deters crime, and catches criminals.

“By making this investment now, we not only improve the coverage of our public spaces but also share resources with our neighbouring councils and the police."

He added the move would "deliver savings for taxpayers" in the future.