VOLUNTEERS are needed to help monitor the CCTV service which has been launched in the town.
Earlier this year Melksham had a state-of-the-art high definition CCTV service installed across the town centre and now help is needed to monitor it. Anyone that does volunteer is being assured that the task isn’t a long or arduous task, and ‘time credits’ can be earned in the process.
Chair of Melksham Community Area Partnership Colin Goodhind said “The new CCTV cameras are now up and running and we are already looking at sites and funding sources for additional ones.
“Sainsbury’s and Waitrose have been approached with a view to working together to provide a camera at the junction of their two access roads and we have already received a positive response from Sainsbury’s. We are hopeful that other businesses standing to benefit from the presence of cameras will be interested in working with us because it is always easier to get additional funding when it can be shown that those benefitting have already shown a financial interest.
“We now have a Storenet radio in the monitoring room which will significantly enhance the effectiveness of both the CCTV and Shopwatch schemes, but we need more monitoring volunteers before the system can be used to its full potential.
“Several people have already come forward, including two with CCTV experience, but we need to reach about 12 before we can start providing really effective cover. This is a very worthwhile and satisfying activity so if anyone is interested, even if your availability is limited, please make contact with us. It is voluntary but we have signed up to the recently-introduced Time Credits scheme which enables us to reward the efforts of volunteers, something that’s long overdue! We are also looking for businesses prepared to sponsor a few items of equipment needed in the monitoring room.”
Contact colin@melksham.communityarea.org.uk, or call 07802 472929 if you are interested. Or visit Melksham Town Hall.
