PLANS to install new CCTV cameras on Chester's historic Rows in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour have been given the green light.

A total of ten ceiling and wall-mounted cameras will provide added coverage to the rows on Northgate Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street and Watergate Street.

The proposal, put forward and led by Cheshire West and Chester Council, was rubber-stamped by the planning department today (January 6).

We reported back in September last year how the project, which is supported by Cheshire West and Chester Community Safety Partnership, the council’s housing team, Aberdeen Standard Investments and CH1Chester BID, was part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on troublemakers.

During that period, community and business leaders met with police to develop a plan to tackle increasing levels of anti-social behaviour in Chester.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane called the urgent meeting in response to concerns about a group of individuals in the city claimed to be responsible for ‘aggressive begging, street drinking, drug-dealing, drug-taking and even one recent example of full sexual intercourse’.

In the planning and listed building consent applications for the new CCTV cameras, the council states: "The camera locations and equipment have been carefully selected so as to minimise the visual impact on listed buildings.

"The proposed installation has arisen in response to requests from a variety of sources for additional CCTV cameras to be introduced to help address anti-social behaviour.

"The cameras will be used to deter and detect crime and disorder/anti-social behaviour, to enhance community safety and to help reduce the fear of crime. They will also help protect historically significant timber buildings from fire risk and damage.

"The cameras will provide coverage of areas where individuals and groups choose to congregate and engage in anti-social behaviour."

In his report recommending approval for the plans, council case officer Edward Shepherd said one comment was made in support of the application, while another objected to the proposal indicating that CCTV cameras 'do not prevent crime and the money should be spent on other mechanisms'.

Mr Shepherd states: "The cameras would generally be subtle and of a low visual prominence. In cases where the cameras are visible, they would not appear out of keeping with the urban, busy city centre location.

"It is considered, given the purpose of the cameras and their design, that the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.

"They would help reduce the fear of crime and assist in securing the optimum viable use of the rows.

"The cameras would be used by the Council’s CCTV team. The cameras would monitor areas of public space, not facing into any private habitable rooms or properties."

The number of cameras in each location will be as follows:

  • Northgate Street: 3
  • Eastgate Street: 3
  • Bridge Street: 3
  • Watergate Street: 1