CCTV cameras and speed humps to be installed in Richmond Hill (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

CCTV cameras and speed humps to be installed in Richmond Hill

September 11, 2006 3:57 PM

East Park Drive in Richmond Hill is set to get speed humps and two Leedswatch CCTV camera's in a bid to slash crime in the area. Financed by the Safer, Stronger, Communities Fund the scheme is planned to be up and running before the end of this year.

Before work can get underway, three sets of bollards will have to be removed from the street. Originally installed in 2004, the bollards were erected in response to a spate of joy-riding incidents involving stolen cars.

However, as the Police have succeeded in tackling joy-riding, the bollards became more of a hindrance than a help. Criminals began using the bollards as a ready-made blockade to aid their escape from pursuing police vehicles. A long campaign involving the Police, Leeds Community Safety and local councillors to remove the bollards has finally come to fruition, paving the way for the new scheme.

Councillor Richard Brett, who has been a vociferous supporter of the campaign to remove the bollards, has urged that the new safety measures be put in place as soon as possible.

Councillor Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill) said, "It has been a long time coming but we now have the money to remove the bollards and replace them with speed humps and two CCTV camera's. It has been proposed that the Leedswatch cameras be placed at either end of the street to deter any would-be thieves and keep a watchful eye on the area."

Councillor Brett added, "Credit has to go to the perseverance of Beverley Yearwood at Leeds Community Safety and West Yorkshire Police for continuing to push this issue. However I would urge that this scheme be completed as soon as possible as serious crime is still a problem here."