New CCTV cameras to reassure North Tyneside residents

CCTV camera

North Tyneside Council has installed extra CCTV cameras to keep an eye on the borough’s parks and beauty spots.

Five cameras have been installed to provide better security at Marine Park in Whitley Bay, Killingworth Lake, the Rising Sun Country Park and Howdon Park, as well as Cullercoats Metro station.

The equipment will allow the council to monitor areas for antisocial behaviour and environmental crime, and give residents extra reassurance, in addition to the electric CCTV vans already on patrol.

The cameras are part of a series of measures by the council to keep North Tyneside’s outdoor spaces safe and clean, as these areas have been busier than ever following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

As well as the cameras, North Tyneside marshals have been given new powers to issue fines for littering and dog fouling and the council’s Community and Public Space Protection Team are on patrol alongside Northumbria Police colleagues to provide a reassuring presence across the borough.

Extra beach wardens have been deployed to patrol the coast and 80 additional bins have been placed at littering hotspots, with extra staff brought in to help empty bins along the seafront and Fish Quay. 

Seasonal workers are also being recruited to help keep local beauty spots clean and tidy seven days a week.  

Councillor Carole Burdis, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection said: “These cameras will be a valuable tool for the council in monitoring and tackling disorder in these locations.

“We know from experience that the warmer weather during the summer months has the potential to cause issues ranging from extra litter on our beaches to people drinking in public and this can bring added pressure on local areas.

“The council has made a real effort to be ready for this – and the easing of lockdown restrictions – by putting in a wide range of additional measures to reassure and give confidence to local people and visitors. 

“I’m confident that, with their support, these measures are already making a difference and I hope that people feel safer knowing that these cameras are in place and our teams are out there on patrol.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Nicola Seymour said: “The cameras currently in place have already helped bring offenders before the courts and see justice for victims.

“And this new CCTV roll-out will provide a visible deterrent to those who commit crime and will help people feel safe in their communities. I welcome this initiative, which will also provide evidence to bring those causing ASB before the courts.”

Residents are encouraged to report anti-social behaviour here or call Northumbria Police on 101 (in an emergency dial 999).