New CCTV camera watches over Liskeard’s Castle Park

Castle Park has a new set of eyes. After play equipment was damaged and drink and drug related incidents became a regular headache for the people who use it, a fresh CCTV camera is now live and feeding straight back to a control room in Truro.

A joint-funded upgrade

The camera has been installed by Liskeard Town Council, extending existing CCTV coverage into Castle Park in Liskeard. The project cost £11,000 in total, made up of a £5,500 grant from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, with the Town Council covering the rest.

The grant came from a wider £250,000 pot the Commissioner made available last year for local authorities to improve their existing CCTV infrastructure. The new camera is fully operational and connected to the East Cornwall CCTV Control Room in Truro.

Why the camera went in

Castle Park is a valued community space used by local families, young people and community groups. The extension of CCTV coverage follows concerns about antisocial behaviour in the area, including incidents linked to alcohol and drug misuse that have resulted in damage to park facilities.

What the Commissioner said

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe when using parks and public spaces in their community. Through the Community Action Fund, I am committed to supporting local projects that help prevent crime, reduce anti-social behaviour and make our neighbourhoods safer.

“This investment in Castle Park will provide reassurance to residents, support local policing efforts and help protect an important community asset for future generations. I’m pleased to see this project delivered and making a positive difference for the people of Liskeard.”

What the Town Council said

Liskeard Town Mayor Councillor David Braithwaite welcomed the completion of the project. He said: “The Town Council and our Partners and the community are delighted that, as a result of the kind award of a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner, the CCTV coverage is now extended to Castle Park.

“The police have supported the extension of the CCTV because of ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour resulting in the vandalism of play equipment and facilities. The extension of the CCTV to Castle Park is also supported by the Friends of Castle Park, the 1st Liskeard Scout Group, the Liskeard Traders Association, the Liskeard Town Forum, and Cornwall Councillor Kevin Grey.”