Fountain Fields gets new CCTV from Middlewich Town Council

Middlewich Town Council last month voted unanimously to fund new a camera covering Fountain Fields, which benefited from a £300,000 refurbishment in 2018.

And now the set-up, which is expected to cost around £8,000, is in place ahead of the summer holidays.

Cllr Carol Bulman, Labour, said: “Every inch of the park is now visible in the control centre, which means it is properly protected.

"The camera is high-spec and will provide clear images even at night. An added advantage near a play area is that Queen Street drivers will also need to watch their speed.

"The popularity of Fountain Fields is only set to grow with the investment already made and further developments planned. It is vital that we protect this wonderful town asset.

"However, we know CCTV is not the complete solution and are also exploring options for locking the park gates at night."

A CCTV camera was installed at Jack's last year, but residents and town councillors warned this had pushed anti-social behaviour elsewhere.

Town councillors say they have since had reports of littering, glass bottles being broken, damage to equipment and theft of shrubs in Fountain Fields.

Janet Chisholm, president of Middlewich Clean Team, said: "We feel that the safety of our community is paramount, and a CCTV camera will ensure that this happens.

"Littering, breaking bottles, fighting and abusing the play equipment of the youngest members in our society will be filmed and necessary action will be taken."

Speaking at last month's meeting, independent Cllr Dave Latham urged residents to contact the police when they spot anti-social behaviour.

He said: "It is paramount – it really is paramount – that the people of Middlewich act. Don’t be scared of acting, phone the police, give them what information you have got."

More investment is earmarked for Fountain Fields with toilets and a new cafe set for the clubhouse.