West Cornwall CCTV Partnership: How Three Towns Are Working Together to Keep Communities Safe

St Ives, Penzance, and Hayle Town Councils have joined forces to launch a collaborative CCTV system aimed at improving community safety across West Cornwall. The partnership, officially launched this week, will oversee up to 40 cameras across the three town centres, all managed from a newly established control centre in St Ives.

The project comes in response to the closure of Cornwall’s Tolvaddon control centre, which left the councils seeking a localised alternative. Working together with security contractor Infinitus, the councils have developed a system that ensures live monitoring and maintenance of CCTV while fostering closer collaboration with local police.

Leaders Highlight Benefits for Residents and Businesses

Speaking at the launch, Johnnie Wells, Mayor of St Ives Town Council, commended the partnership’s quick response to the challenge. “Upon learning that the Cornwall system was closing down, the three Town Councils very quickly stepped in with an innovative solution. I am proud of what we have achieved by working together to deliver for our local area,” Johnnie said.

Stephen Reynolds, Mayor of Penzance Council, emphasised the project’s positive impact on public safety. “From a Penzance perspective, I’m confident that this improved, locally-controlled CCTV monitoring – combined with increased funding from Penzance Council and Penzance BID in Street Marshals and anti-social behaviour support – will help make our streets safer for everyone,” Stephen explained.

June Lawrenson-Reid, Mayor of Hayle Town Council, expressed confidence in the collaboration’s adaptability to local needs. “We are delighted that we have been able to establish this new West Cornwall partnership and to continue to deliver this essential service, following Cornwall Council’s withdrawal. It is a good news story in terms of community safety for the local residents and businesses,” June said.

Collaboration with Local Police and Security Experts

Infinitus Security Ltd, the contractor behind the control centre, highlighted the system’s potential to enhance community wellbeing. Director Kim Phillips stated, “Our work will help improve wellbeing, with the use of this critical tool, by actively working with local Police to combat anti-social behaviour and crime, as well as providing a necessary service in supporting the Town Councils and other agencies in their work.”

Police Inspector Dee Evans of the Penzance and Isles of Scilly Sector praised the locally-controlled approach, noting its benefits for investigations and partnerships. “This new way of working will streamline processes making them more efficient. It will also allow for officers to build up better local connections with our partnership colleagues, which in turn will lead to an increase in public safety and better outcomes for victims,” Dee said.

A Model for Community Safety in Cornwall?

This partnership highlights how local councils can take proactive measures to address community challenges. With the system now live, the residents and businesses of St Ives, Penzance, and Hayle will benefit from enhanced safety measures and a tailored approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

Photo: The new West Cornwall CCTV Partnership is officially launched on Thursday 22 January by St Ives Town Council, Penzance Council and Hayle Town Council. – Credit: Penzance Council.