​New CCTV for Radcliffe as town regeneration moves forward

Calls from businesses in Radcliffe town centre for improved security have been answered with the installation of additional CCTV cameras at key spots.

Seven new fixed point cameras are currently being installed at locations around the town centre, which is due to undergo a physical transformation this summer as part of a £1m regeneration.

Costing £32,000, the new cameras will be hooked up to Bury Council’s control centre, supplementing the existing CCTV system which is monitored constantly. Four existing camera points have also been upgraded.

Funding has come from a £1 million Bury Council pot to help stimulate the town’s economy. As well as the cameras, plans for Radcliffe include:

• Public realm improvements including planting, street furniture, signage and better lighting
• A shop-front improvement scheme – grants towards new shop-signage are being offered to traders
• Action on parking – people living and working close to the Metrolink stop in Radcliffe have given their views on what can be done about on-street parking
• An events programme – designed to drive more footfall into Radcliffe town centre.

The work on Radcliffe’s regeneration is being directed by the Radcliffe Regeneration Task Group, consisting of community representatives, businesses, local councillors, senior council officers, faith leaders and the Radcliffe Heritage Society.

Eugene O’Donnell, chair of Radcliffe Business Group, said: “We had a spate of thefts in the town earlier this year, some of them very serious. We approached Bury Council via the Radcliffe Regeneration Task Group to ask if camera coverage could be improved as a deterrent against criminal activity.

“There was a bit of a feeling that no one cared about Radcliffe traders. And we were worried that new businesses coming here would be put off, or existing businesses might close due to security worries.

“So we’re delighted that our request has been answered with these new supplementary cameras, and would like to thank Bury Council for taking us seriously and delivering this.”

Bury Council leader Rishi Shori said: “The installation of these new cameras comes as footfall in the town centre is increasing thanks to the success of Radcliffe Market. We want people coming into Radcliffe to shop or for leisure to feel secure and we want to provide a pleasant, well-maintained environment for them.

“We also want the businesses here, or those thinking of coming here, to know that we are looking after them. Attracting and keeping great traders in the centre of our town is going to be an important part of the regeneration.”

The town centre regeneration work comes as Radcliffe has received a number of recent boosts, including the commencement of flood defence work, the approval of 400 new homes on the East Lancs Paper Mill site and an announcement that Bury Council will lead a bid to the Government this September for a new high school in the town.

Cllr Shori added: “Although the camera scheme is a relatively small part of the overall regeneration project, it is a really good example of how things are working in Radcliffe. Our community is leading on the things we’re doing to aim towards a new and improved town.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 4 June 2019.

Picture: Dean Walker from Bury Council explains the improved CCTV set-up for Radcliffe town centre to Eugene O’Donnell, Cllr Rishi Shori and Jamie Walker, chair of the Radcliffe Regeneration Task Group.