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Big Brother arrives to keep watch

Tom Rowley
23/ 8/2006

SECURITY cameras are being installed in the final phase of a facelift to the Winster Mews shops in Gamesley.

Frank Bartle, neighbourhoods and regeneration manager at High Peak Community Housing (HPCH), said: "The posts are already up and we are liaising with the specialist CCTV firm over when the cameras will be going live."

Signs showing 'CCTV in Operation' will go up when the cameras are rolling.

Residents and businesses have helped design the new look, which is costing £186,000 in grant funding.

Peter Dawson, HPCH's neighbourhood co-ordinator, said: "We had a lot of complaints from people that they didn't feel safe in the area, that it was dark and shabby and that youngsters were climbing on the electricity station and getting on to the canopy.

"Removing the canopy has brought more light into the shops and our offices and made the area more attractive.

"We have also removed the dangers of youngsters climbing up and putting themselves and others at risk, by moving the electricity sub-station and removing the canopy altogether."

Community police officer Paula Doyle - also based at Gamesley neighbourhood office - added: "This will greatly assist in reducing damage and anti-social behaviour by allowing us to identify and take action against perpetrators in this area."