CCTV should not be a replacement for community police officers, Coleraine Borough Council has heard.
The comments came as the meeting of the Leisure and Environment Committee met on Tuesday evening and discussed a plan to place a new CCTV camera to cover Anderson park in the town centre. The cost to ratepayers would be £5,000.
The meeting heard t
hat there was considerable anti social behaviour and underage drinking around the children's play area. On top of this the park ranger had been injured in an assault.
It was suggested that a new CCTV camera be installed to cover both sides of the park. It would be monitored along with the existing town CCTV system.
Cllr Sam Cole said that as it was a security problem, the PSNI should provide the cover. The meeting heard that police had suggested the installation because they could not guarantee officers for the area at all times.
This prompted Cllr Robert McPherson to say that it was a "cop out" by the police.
The brook in the Anderson Park was branded a disgrace by Cllr John Dallat who said that it should be made ship shape as soon as possible.
He was concerned that the area would become run down and attract a more anti social crowd to the area.
Members suggested that Safer Coleraine, who provide the main CCTV system for the town, could look at covering the park from the proposed new CCTV cameras. Others said that the park and the ranger were Council responsibilities and that Council should provide the CCTV for that area.
On a vote proposed by Cllr Adrian McQuillan and seconded by Cllr John Dallat, the motion was passed. Officers will now make arrangements to have the camera installed.
