Chichester: CCTV cameras run by council to be cut by more than half

There will be 27 cameras instead of the 65 currently run by Chichester District Council

The number of district council-run CCTV cameras in Chichester, West Sussex, is to be cut by more than half.

There will be 27 cameras instead of the 65 currently in place, and they will be upgraded to a wireless system.

"This is designed to improve the safety of our residents," said Chichester District Council leader Adrian Moss, adding the new system would improve coverage in areas "most at risk".

Along with three new cameras in hotspot areas, the upgrade will cost £115,000.

The new wireless system will aim to improve the quality of the images captured.

Mr Moss said a technical review by Sussex Police had been carried out to find out which sites were best used and which needed monitoring.

Most of the cameras being cut cover council-owned car parks, which the review found were low value when it came to gathering evidence of crimes.

The three new cameras will be placed on College Lane, Canal Basin and the Fishbourne Underpass.

"CCTV is a crucial part of our work to help make residents, visitors and workers to our wonderful city feel safe," said Tracie Bangert, cabinet member for communities.

"This investment will enable us to streamline the service and carry out a thorough upgrade.

"A wireless system will provide us and the police with better quality images and will be more accessible to the partners who use the service," Ms Bangert said.