Devizes' CCTV cameras face funding shortfall

CCTV cameras in Devizes might have to be switched off, the company which runs them has warned.

Wiltshire Council supplies half the £22,000 funding for the town's CCTV, but this is due to end in September.

CCTV Management said it was asking businesses in the area to come up with the money, with the town's council continuing to provide the other half.

Noel Woolrych, from the company, said that without the funding "we shut it off, it's as simple as that".

Mr Woolrych said: "About £10 a month is what we're looking to request from businesses.

"We had been trying to persuade Wiltshire Council to change its mind."

Funding from Wiltshire Council had been due to end last month, however it decided to continue paying until September.

'Secluded areas'

A spokesman from the council said: "Each town is responsible now for its own CCTV.

"We need to make sure we're consistent across the county," he added.

But Mr Woolrych said the council was continuing to provide funding for the cameras in Salisbury.

"There are eight CCTV control rooms in Wiltshire, the biggest one of course is in Salisbury which they fund completely.

"Local taxpayers and local councils would agree that Wiltshire Council's already set a precedent."

The council spokesman said: "We only fund CCTV for the secluded areas in Salisbury, including the park and ride and council-owned car parks, not the areas in the centre. "