A GROUND-breaking partnership aimed at monitoring CCTV cameras operating in three north Denbighshire communities has been signed and sealed.

In April 2016, the Denbighshire CCTV Partnership, which consisted of representatives from Denbighshire County Council, North Wales Police and Rhyl, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan Town Councils agreed to trial a new way of monitoring CCTV coverage in the three communities.

Feedback to the trial has been considered and alternative ways of working considered. Following the review, the Partnership have now entered into a brand new agreement with Cheshire West and Chester Council to carry out the monitoring of the CCTV cameras from their control room in Chester. This new system will allow North Wales Police to contact the control room in Chester and request assistance in tracking an incident.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Community Safety, and who chairs the Denbighshire CCTV Partnership, said: “The Council works closely with its partners on community safety issues and wants to make sure that residents in these three communities feel safe in the knowledge that a lot of work is going on to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

“We have carefully considered the feedback received to the trial and recognised that we needed to find an alternative model. This brand new approach with Cheshire West and Chester Council will provide a cost effective way of working which will result in an improved and enhanced service for the communities of Rhyl, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan.”

District Inspector Arwyn Jones said: “For some time, residents and business owners have highlighted their desire to see an improved CCTV function within their respective communities. I see this as an innovative way of ensuring that for now, and for the future. Partnership working is vital in all aspects of Community Safety, and this exciting new partnership between ourselves, here in North Wales, and Cheshire West and Cheshire Council shows that partnership working will not be deterred by cross border restrictions. I have been along to the control room in Chester, and was very impressed by not only the technology that will be used, but the knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff there to ensure Denbighshire Coastal have an excellent service.”

Rhyl Town Mayor Councillor Mrs. Win Mullen-James commented that “The CCTV Cameras have proved their worth over a number of years. The Town Council has recognised the important role that such cameras play in both addressing the fear of crime and also providing a valuable tool in preventing crime from occurring in the first place. Rhyl remains a family resort and the cameras can also provide valuable assistance to authorities in locating missing or lost persons particularly children. ”

The Mayor, Councillor Gareth Rowlands said: “Rhuddlan Town Council are very pleased to be part of the partnership. The advantage of the new system is that it will be manned 24/7 which is far more efficient than before. I also wish the partnership every success in the future”.

A spokesman for Prestatyn Town Council said: “Prestatyn Town Council is proud to be a member of the CCTV Partnership Board. Council recognises the value and importance of CCTV to safeguarding our town and its help in reducing crime and reassuring the public/business community. We look forward to the investment in new technologies, welcoming new partners and extending CCTV coverage where appropriate and cost effective”.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m delighted that Cheshire West and Chester Council is part of this innovative, cross-border partnership. Images from Denbighshire’s CCTV cameras will be transmitted over to Chester. We currently have a 24/7 CCTV service and will be able to provide a reactive monitoring service for them, responding to any incidents 24/7, involving immediate communication links with North Wales Police.”