Opposition is mounting against a controversial CCTV camera planned for installation in a conservation area in Kenilworth.
Residents in Southbank Road say the camera is unnecessary and will be an invasion of privacy.
A public consultation, which ended on Wednesday, has been ongoing for residents and businesses to voice opinions on the relocation from Bertie Road oppos
ite Tannery Court to the junction of Station Road and Southbank Road.
If given the go ahead, the camera will be sited at 29 Southbank Road.
One resident, Dr Malcolm Hardman of number 27, has written to Ian Coker, Head of Neighbourhood Services at Warwick District Council, to make sure resident’s opinions are listened to.
He said: “If it is Warwick District Council policy at all costs to retain the option of nine cameras, would it not be more sensible to site such protection at the junction of Station Road and Waverley Road where there are several commercial properties.
“I very much resent the invasion of the privacy of my home and garden by a device now known not to provide protection against crime.
Dr Hardman added that work on number 29, carried out by the occupiers would be lost with the ‘ugly and unworthy’ addition to the street furniture of a conservation area.
“It would degrade a unique Victorian building, damage the prestige of Kenilworth and by implication register the consent of Warwick District Council to the further deterioration of the district.”
The Kenilworth Society is in support of residents’ views.
Becky Probert, society chair, said: “CCTV cameras have their place in helping to control local crime but the views of residents and local heritage values must also be respected. We need to carefully conserve and protect those parts of our town which help us understand the evolution and charm of Kenilworth over time. CCTV is not only an eyesore but also symbolises the arrival of an inner-city culture into our small town.”
Mr Coker at Warwick District Council said: “The reason for selecting this specific location is that it provides us with the best coverage and back up coverage we can identify.
“The camera located on Bertie Road covered Talisman Square car park which was managed by Warwick District Council, the Youth Centre prior to its move to Abbey End car park, some properties on both sides of Bertie Road, although that coverage was limited, and a small section of Station Road.
“With the development of the Waitrose store and the construction of a split level car park, which will be managed by Waitrose, the effectiveness of the camera in this location was clearly going to be less.
“As a result officers have been considering where this camera could be relocated to provide the best coverage of the area, given the criminal activity which is known to take place.”
The report on the proposal is at an early stage, pending results of the consultation.
When completed early next month the public report will go to the three councillors for Kenilworth Abbey ward for a decision.
