Extra camera for town?

AN extra CCTV camera could be installed in Portishead in a bid to crackdown on petty crime and antisocial behaviour.Portishead and North Weston Town Council is investigating the possibility of installing a crime-busting camera at West Hill.The move comes at the same time as all CCTV cameras in the town are being reviewed following the changes from analogue to digital equipment.Currently there are five cameras in the town, four of which cover the High Street and one watching Wyndham Way.Portishead and North Weston Town Council is being asked to consider spending £5,000 on upgrading their current cameras so they are digital, meaning better pictures can be captured to use as evidence in any police prosecutions.As part of the review the council is also considering putting an additional camera at the top of Avon Way.The new camera, if agreed, will cover the rank of shops on Avon Way which have at times been a magnet for trouble with youths gathering there at night.The move follows complaints from residents about noise and antisocial behaviour as a result of youngsters gathering outside the shops at night.There have also been incidents of vandalism, graffiti and petty crime including windows and phone boxes being damaged.Chairman of Portishead and North Weston recreation and works committee, Councillor Ros Cruse, said: "We have been approached by North Somerset Council to upgrade our current cameras to digital so thought it would be a good time to review our camera operation in the town."In the past there have been problems in the Avon Way and West Hill area with vandalism and graffiti."A camera undoubtedly would act as a deterrent to would-be criminals because anyone getting up to no good would be aware they were being watched."The town council is now awaiting more information about the costs involved in installing a sixth camera. A report will go to the next meeting of the recreation and works committee.