Cash threat to CCTV scheme (From Penarth Times)

Cash threat to CCTV scheme

A BID to install CCTV cameras at Cogan leisure centre is in jeopardy as the Vale council looks at ways to cut its cloth.

Residents believe the installation of CCTV at the leisure centre would reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour problems which have plagued the Cogan area.

The 30,000 scheme, which is also aimed at cutting the cost of cleaning up after louts and improving security for leisure centre users, is due to be decided upon next month.

Cllr Maureen Kelly Owen said: "Of course I believe that the installation of CCTV would be beneficial to the area.

"Unfortunately, because of the poor settlement the Vale authority has received from the Welsh Assembly Government, we are going to have to find ways of cutting our cloth.

"This is why I doubt this scheme will be approved."

In September police were called to the leisure centre after gangs of youths attempted to damage equipment stored in the car park by BBC TV crews working on the new series of Doctor Who, parts of which were filmed in Penarth.

Cllr Mark Wilson said: "I think this excellent scheme would be very valuable for Cogan as a whole.

"One of the main problems in the area is petty car crime and I think CCTV would help enormously in stamping it out."

Inspector Huw Smart of Penarth Police said: "There is an ongoing problem of youth annoyance at the leisure centre in Cogan.