Webcams and speakers set for installation in Wyre town centres 'will not be used for monitoring'

In a report of the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Economic Prosperity Board meeting held yesterday (September 16), Wyre Council members outlined plans to install webcams and speakers in town centres including Cleveleys, Poulton, Garstang and Fleetwood.

The plans came after temporary road closures in Cleveleys and Garstang were subject to weekly reviews, as a result of the need for social distancing, documents showed.

A webcam will be installed in each town, to enable customers to check online to see how busy the high streets are, in a bid to help with social distancing.

The report states the cameras will "provide a visual projection of the town centres in real-time to aid social distancing at peak periods."

Speakers will also be installed, with the intention of providing public safety reminders and playing music at a controlled level of volume, creating an "improved atmosphere."

The idea came as a result of communication between Fleetwood Town Council, Cleveleys Coastal Community Team and Wyre Council.

Jane Littlewood, chairman of Cleveleys Coastal Community Team, explained that the cameras and speakers "would not be used for monitoring," but to create a more relaxed ambience and safer environment for shoppers.

"The webcams installed would be the same as the ones we already have, like those used on The Mount in Fleetwood and looking onto Cleveleys beach," Jane said.

"They won't be used for any sort of enforcement, and they have to be low resolution cameras so nobody can be identified anyway.

"The speakers will play music at a volume that can be controlled, and give out safety announcements, reminding people to socially distance, pick litter up and so on.

"We want to encourage people to keep visiting the shops, and if they don't realise the retail landscape is changing - regardless of the pandemic - then there won't be any in Cleveleys to visit anymore."

A spokesman for Wyre Council said: "Cleveleys Coastal Community Team and Fleetwood Town Council have both expressed an interest in obtaining webcams for their town centres to enable visitors to take control of when it is safe to visit.

"The webcams will provide real-time footage of their respective high streets to aid social distancing measures for visitors.

"Cleveleys Coastal Community Team and Fleetwood Town Council have also expressed an interest in obtaining PA Systems to communicate safety messages relating to social distancing, which will also play low sounding music to add to the atmosphere of the town centre for those who visit during the Covid-19 crisis.

"Both elements are currently being sourced by council officers with all aspects in relation to protection of identity and noise levels being taken into account, to protect individuals and businesses located within the vicinity of the interventions."