Stockport town centre's CCTV system given boost thanks to Home Office grant

New CCTV cameras have been installed in Stockport town centre to keep residents and visitors safe.

The Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund aims to tackle issues that blight communities by putting measures in place to prevent crime, anti-social behaviour and support victims.

In July 2022, Stockport was successful in its bid for £430,000, which was part of a £2.4million grant to Greater Manchester boroughs, to tackle anti-social behaviour and make streets safer for residents in the town centre and Brinnington.

Part of the grant funding has been spent on 10 new CCTV cameras in the town centre, which will help to strengthen and improve the current system in place covering Merseyway, the Underbanks and other areas of the town centre.

The council carried out a survey last year, with more than two thirds of respondents, including residents and businesses supporting improving CCTV coverage in the town centre.

This week, Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, was joined by GMP's Chief Superintendent John Webster at the CCTV Control Room in the town centre where the new cameras will be monitored from.

The new cameras will link in with current systems already in place and operated by Greater Manchester Police and Stockport Homes.

Cllr Foster-Grime said: “Improving safety and CCTV coverage in the heart of Stockport is a key priority for the council and partners to help make our local communities feel as safe as possible when they're enjoying what our town centre has to offer.

“Together with the Safer Stockport Partnership we're determined to improve confidence amongst residents to use facilities and support town centre businesses – not only during the day but allowing everyone to enjoy our thriving night-time economy.”

Chief Superintendent Webster said: “These cameras will assist the police in the detection and prevention of anti-social behaviour and crime and support our aim to ensure Stockport continues to be a safe and enjoyable place to live and work.

“In addition, they will also enable us to proactively respond to prevent situations developing.

“This project has shown what can be achieved when all key partners work together.”

Further work will also take place later this month on strengthening the security team working between Redrock and Merseyway.