TWO new cameras are set to be installed in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens crime hotspot in a move to resolve a CCTV blind spot.

The path directly behind the bandstand, known as Pinewalk, has reportedly seen an increase in criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

A report to this week’s Lower Central Gardens Trust Board, which has now been postponed, said the area is currently shielded from the existing CCTV cameras by trees.

The additional cameras had been requested by the council’s CCTV manager and partner agencies.

Cllr Nicola Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for council priorities and delivery, told the Daily Echo: “BCP Council have undertaken consultations with partners and business improvement districts (BID) on the most appropriate locations for enhanced CCTV within our urban centres. Pinewalk is one of those proposals.

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Nicola GreeneCllr Nicola Greene

“The CCTV enhancement and safety improvement funds within the Cleaner, Greener, Safer programme are designed to improve public realm safety in those identified areas and are planned to take place this financial year.

“We want Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to be a safe place to live in, work in and visit. One of the ways we are achieving this is by eradicating anti-social behaviour.

“This contributes to everyone’s pride in such places as Pinewalk and is something we’re committed to achieving through our Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign.”

The new cameras will involve replacing the existing light columns.

BCP Council refused to say how much the the new cameras would cost to acquire and install, claiming it was "business sensitive information".

A council spokesperson said the Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign is investing £100,000 to "further support" CCTV in urban areas, with an extra £60,000 for increased "CCTV monitoring".

Neighbourhood Inspector Ady Thompson, of Bournemouth police, said: “There have previously been reports of anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity in the area and we will continue to work with our partners to address issues within the local community and take action where appropriate.

“CCTV is one of a number of methods used to try and prevent and detect crime, as well as assist investigations.”

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