Council under fire over crime decision

Liberal Democrats in Harrogate slammed the Tory led council after it refused to accept proposals to put extra money into the community safety reserve to pay for another mobile CCTV camera. The district currently has just three.

Opposition councillors say the money, which would come from an extra £1.1m in last year’s savings, could have a huge impact in reducing antisocial behaviour across Harrogate and addressing this year’s worrying rise in crime

Councillor Greta Knight said: “Crime is up and we have got to be pro-active in the way we address this.

“There is a number of pockets of antisocial behaviour across Harrogate and it is ridiculous that there are just three mobile cameras.

“The need for another camera is there for all to see.

“The council itself has just published a delivery plan for the next three year stating they want to reduce the overall number of crime related incidents by five per cent. They don’t say how they are going to achieve it.”

Coun Knight said cameras were needed at Butler Road playing fields, Woodfield, earlier this year, when a group of yobs started to plague the area, trying to set fire to part of the play park and ripping up grass.

Coun Don Mackenzie, the leader of Harrogate Council, said: “Council voted to refer this matter back to the cabinet member for resources in order to discuss the Liberal Democrat amendment with officers.

“If it can be shown that additional cameras will reduce crime in certain locations, then a reasonable case can be made for spending the money. As it is, Harrogate’s taxpayers’ investment in CCTV surveillance is very substantial indeed, and we should not rush in to spend more public money without being sure it is being spent wisely and effectively.”