MELKSHAM Town Council has voted to install security cameras in King George V Playing Field to combat littering and vandalism.
The decision comes following an appeal by Melksham parkrun organiser, Colin Goodhind, who explained that volunteers are having to clear the park of litter and dog mess before the run takes place.
Four CCTV cameras will be placed on each corner of the cricket pavilion in the playing field, at an estimated cost of £995. The footage will be accessed remotely via the internet and will be monitored by volunteers who support Melksham’s CCTV service in the town centre.
At the town council’s asset management committee meeting last week, Colin said, “On a Saturday prior to parkrun we have ended up, practically every Saturday, clearing up quite a bit of the park – and I understand that your litter picker finishes at midday on a Friday, so there’s nobody else to do it.
“So we’re ending up, or I’m ending up personally because I won’t ask volunteers who have come to help run a parkrun – I end up picking up litter and some of us pick up dog mess as well. We’re clearing it up so the people who travel to Melksham, and locals too, see the park in a reasonable condition.
“Security cameras would be a start to getting the litter problem under control.”
At the meeting there was some debate as to how effective the security cameras will be. Deputy Mayor, cllr Jon Hubbard said, “In terms of vandalism, I can see the benefits of this – whilst it won’t stop mindless idiots doing vandalism, it will identify the people that have done it and allow the police to follow up with appropriate action.
“People who litter are idiots, and those people who let their dogs mess are idiots – I’m not sure if it will stop littering.”
However, other councillors felt that the security cameras could be effective and would allow the council to pass on evidence to the appropriate authorities.
“One or two examples are all we need and news will spread!” said cllr Pat Aves.
