City’s new CCTV suite opens

The new CCTV suite includes state of the art monitoring and recording equipment covering 50 cameras in the city centre and another 80 cameras in council properties around the city. The technology also allows for extra capacity for expansion to accommodate even more systems.

The new system will also allow the council to consolidate its other existing CCTV systems around the city into one centre of excellence, improving the service and making it more efficient.

The opening marks a new era for the council’s CCTV section, which was one of the first of its kind in the country when it was formed in 1994.

A decision to upgrade the system and move the unit from its cramped accommodation in Corn Street was made in 2007. After a successful tendering process, local company Camrasonic, part of the Openview Group was awarded the contract and work began under the supervision of consultants Goodwill Associates. The relocation and upgrade was completed in early 2009.

Cllr David Fouweather, cabinet member for community safety and environment, said:

“The CCTV section has been a huge success in Newport, and this latest development means Newport will have state of the art equipment and facilities that will be the envy of any city in the country. I hope the public will be reassured by the council’s commitment to using the very latest technology to prevent crime and disorder, and ensuring that those who break the law in our city will face prosecution.”