Wigan are due to install 45 new CCTV cameras and two rapid deployment cameras in Leigh town centre. It’s through the council’s £5m #BelieveInLeigh fund.
Nine new CCTV columns installed in the coming weeks with each one to have four fixed cameras and one remotely controlled camera, meaning that there will be 45 further cameras monitoring the streets by the summer.
Four further poles will be installed in the Leigh West ward, which will be used for two re-deployable cameras that can be moved across the columns as appropriate. These cameras are hoped to be operational by the end of May and are in addition to the camera already in situ, which was purchased by Leigh West councillors.
Lord Peter Smith, Leigh West councillor and #BelieveInLeigh board lead said: “We asked Leigh residents what they felt needed investment and we have listened. It is essential that people coming to the town centre, whether that is through the day or in the evening, feel safe. Significant action is now being taken on those concerns and the additional 45 CCTV cameras will create a comprehensive network of cameras in Leigh town centre.
“People who are thinking of committing crime or anti-social behaviour in the centre should be aware they are likely to be seen and that evidence will be passed to police. There is a lot of work taking place behind the scenes to ensure the right decisions are being made, and we are liaising with community groups such as Leigh Neighbours and Leigh Residents Association to see how the local community can lead on cohesion for the area.”
Also coming in are bright LED lighting, refreshed road markings on Market Place and the refurbishment of benches, guard rails and poles, all due to be complete by the end of March. Bins in the town centre are to be replaced with multi-recycling bins that will use smart technology such as fill level sensors and solar technologies. Timescales for this are to be confirmed.
