£200,000 CCTV system to combat Stanley Park vandalism

The network will be mainly paid for by Proceeds of Crime Act funding, which is money seized by the police from criminal activity.

There will be 16 cameras mounted on poles operated remotely from the CCTV control unit in the town centre, as well as fixed-position cameras.

New arrangements are also proposed to bolster the park’s security supported by the council, police and the Friends of Stanley Park.

It comes after repeated vandalism at the park which has twice been voted the best in the country.

A council report says: ” Like other parks in the country it has suffered from waves of vandalism which parks staff and the policehave found very challenging to deal with.”

Past incidents include attacks on the playground, benches being thrown into the lake and pleasure boats being vandalised.

Meanwhile a row has broken out over use of CCTV cameras in Blackpool amid claims coverage is “a lottery”.

Independent councillor Gary Coleman told a full meeting of the council there needed to be a full review of cameras after it emerged many were either dummy cameras or non-operational.

He warned: “This can dangerously mislead the public and staff into believing they are in monitored areas, when they are not.

“This could have consequences for their safety and any investigation that follows.

“We are letting our residents, staff and visitors down by making our CCTV coverage a lottery of effectiveness.”

Coun Neal Brookes, cabinet member for housing and welfare reform, said investment in CCTV was being considered and the control room was soon due to be moved from the old Bonny Street police station to Municipal Buildings on Corporation Street.

He said it would be “impractical” to provide CCTV at all the council’s buildings and car parks, and the cost would be “prohibitive”.

He added: “We are trying to assemble funding for high risk sites such as outside nightclubs, in the town centre and where anti-social behaviour occurs.

“But it is proving very challenging.”

The council rejected a notice of motion put forward by Coun Coleman for comprehensive, fully operating CCTV at all times by 22 votes to 16, with Labour members rejecting the motion and Conservative and Independents supporting it.