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More than 200 new CCTV cameras have been installed across Redcar and Cleveland, a council says. Redcar and Cleveland Council was awarded funding for CCTV upgrades in February 2024 as part of

the former Government’s levelling up partnerships scheme, with money also going towards remodelling its control room. The local authority previously conceded the system it was using was out

of date and limited the scope to make improvements. Last summer Saltburn councillor Philip Thomson criticised coverage of the Lower Promenade in the town after an incident in which eight

waste bins were set on fire. Speaking at a meeting in August, he said: “The local authority CCTV has not been extensive enough and the quality of the analogue system which has been used over

the years does not always have the definition to allow proper identification of individuals. “The new money is due to be invested in more proficient CCTV equipment which I hope will have a

greater range beyond current coverage.” A recent report covering Councillor Adam Brook’s neighbourhoods portfolio said a total of 204 cameras had been replaced with new ones. These were

split 50/50 between public areas and on council buildings. The report also said a further 40 locations had seen cameras installed where previously there weren’t any - again in public areas

and connected to council assets. The work is due to be completed this month. The report said: “Driven by the need to move from analogue to digital, improving connectivity and investing in

better technology, cameras in Redcar, Skelton, Loftus, Guisborough, among others in the public space have been replaced. “The replacement of cameras in Greater Eston and Grangetown is due to

start shortly. The majority of council buildings have had cameras replaced, [and] a number of new sites that have been victim to repeated criminal damage/burglary have also had new systems

added.” In December new cameras were confirmed for Spencer Beck shops, off Allendale Road, Ormesby, which has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour. Another local councillor, Curt Pugh,

who again raised concerns at a meeting, claimed the council’s own wardens were “attacked by thugs wielding sticks and wooden poles” in the vicinity of the shopping parade, but there was no

CCTV to capture it. It was also previously confirmed a permanent camera linked directly to the council’s CCTV control room was to be installed at Greengates field, in Kirkleatham, Redcar,

after repeated arson attacks on a children’s playground there. Six CCTV cameras have also gone up on the ‘Black Path’, a cycle and pedestrian route which links South Bank and Normanby and

which has suffered from criminal elements, after planning permission was granted last year. The council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the cameras were monitored “24/7,

365 days a year”. Last year the local authority was rapped by its auditor Veritau over how it managed its CCTV. Veritau said the council had been unable to confirm that CCTV systems in

operation had been fully checked for compliance with relevant legislation, including that relating to information governance, while managers were not aware of the appropriate policies and

guidance they had to abide by. There was a lack of a structured approach to maintenance requirements for CCTV across the council and no central register to identify the location of all CCTV

camera equipment. Meanwhile, there was also no formal arrangement with third parties hosting CCTV equipment on the council’s behalf to identify and mitigate any associated risks. A number of

actions were agreed by the council in response in order to give greater assurance after various recommendations were made. However the council could not confirm these had all been completed

when asked, stating: “We are completing the required recommendations from the CCTV audit, alongside the refurbishment.” FOR THE LATEST REDCAR AND CLEVELAND NEWS DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX, go

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