Call for more CCTV at stations (From Penarth Times)

Call for more CCTV at stations

A PROSPECTIVE parliamentary candidate for Penarth has given her support to CCTV on Valley Line stations.

Dianne Rees, the possible Conservative hopeful for Cardiff South and Penarth, has given a wish list of improvements to the train operator.

She said: "I have been to Grangetown, which is a very intimidating station to alight at. There is a narrow set of steps to go down and the shelter is a concrete building.

It is not a good idea to have that because people cannot see around them. There are also high walls which obscure views."

The need for more security was horrifically pointed out at Grangetown Station when a man was beaten up.

Leon Adams was brutally beaten and left to die at the station nine months ago. He is still in a coma and the assailant has yet to be caught.

If CCTV was already in use the attacker could have been identified, and may even have thought twice before the attack occurred.

Welsh Assembly funding will be provided for improvements to stations.

Dianne also said: "There is insufficient policing on the streets. We need more police presence to deter crime in general.

And this is only one of the issues I shall be campaigning for on behalf of Penarth. I also want to get improved services for the area."

She added that CCTV should have been standard years ago at such intimidating stations.

And there is money available which should be used.

With the tragic accident on the Barry to Cardiff line, when a man fell onto the track changes are important.

Better lighting, more mob-ility for disabled people, and a return to manned stations was called for by Dianne.

There is evidence that crime does fall with the advent of CCTV, and Leon Adams' assailant may have thought twice before committing the crime.