CCTV cameras installed in Hucknall's Titchfield Park

A Hucknall park is close to having fully operational CCTV cameras for the first time.

The poles of the cameras in Titchfield Park on Park Drive have been erected this week by Via East Midlands with Ashfield District Council set to fit the CCTV cameras by the end of the week.

The two cameras will be wired through to Nottinghamshire Police's control room ensuring 24-hour monitoring of the popular park. 

The first camera covers the pavilion and car park, a location which was chosen to deal with complaints about anti-social behaviour including drug taking, parties and graffiti.

The second camera covers the skate park, cafe, new play equipment and sports pitches. It will also capture HD images across the park. This is after complaints were made about all night parties leading to damage to the play equipment and smashed glass.

Councillor Lee Waters, who represents Hucknall North on Ashfield District Council, and lives close to the park, secured the funding for the cameras. 

He said: "I am pleased that our CCTV will soon be in operation. I chose these locations after consultation with park users. 

"Titchfield Park is a wonderful place – it's a place that has seen record investment over the last few years – with brand new play equipment, drainage works and improvements to our war memorial and much more. 

"Our park recently celebrated its 100th anniversary – reports of crime and anti-social behaviour rose however. That's why it was so important to take action to improve resident's safety. These are state of the art cameras which will give comfort to park users and instil fear into those intent on causing havoc."

The Ashfield Independent councillor added: "This has been a long, drawn-out process. I first requested CCTV in our park three years ago after receiving complaints. It's ridiculous the amount of hoops you have to jump through. This is due to complex legislation which needs to be simplified. The process is incredibly long winded and painstaking and involves applying for court orders and all sorts.

"No one wants to live in an "Orwellian" world – but it's clear that CCTV was desperately needed. That said, I am pleased to see us achieve what we set out to do."