CCTV at revamped cafe is necessary to protect council assets

The decision was in part prompted by a spate of arsons and vandalism incidents in Victoria Park in recent months, triggering fears by council members that the new £500,000 cafe could fall victim to similar crimes.
The venue is expected to open early next summer, in place of the existing kiosk, and will offer indoor and outdoor seating areas, catering facilities, public toilets, changing room facilities, an office and storage space for park and boating pond equipment.
Plans for the installation of CCTV caused concern among some members due to its park location, however it was agreed to be a necessary measure to lessen the risk of damage to the building.
Leading the project is David Allen (Lib Dem, Victoria) who said: “What we are worried about is the risk of vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the park.
“I’m not a great fan of CCTV, I think it can be intrusive, but we need to look at it as a way of combating an issue.
“The police cannot have a 24-hour presence. CCTV is necessary to combat antisocial behaviour.
“It may make people think twice about trying to destroy our park.”
Adrian Edwards (Con, Falkland) added: “I think it’s very necessary if it goes some way towards protecting our assets.”
Giving an update on the project, Mr Allen said it was not progressing as quickly as initially hoped due to more stringent archaeology assessments required.
It follows the discovery of prehistoric artefacts in the park, to the east of the A339, in July, including a bone thought to have been used as a weapon and charcoal from the Early Mesolithic period.
“Every bucket load that comes out of the ground has to be sieved and examined,” said Mr Allen.