‘A lot of reassurance!’ Spalding CCTV coverage improving, says critic

A town’s CCTV coverage has improved, one the scheme’s biggest critics says.

South Holland district councillor Ingrid Sheard has previously questioned the effectiveness of the cameras in Spalding after spates of vandalism and graffiti in the town centre.

But after making a second visit to the CCTV control centre, she says the public should be reassured that improvements have been made.

Coun Sheard was among the South Holland district councillors who recently visited the operations room in Boston, after being invited by new portfolio holder Coun Anthony Casson.

“I was eager to see what had happened after I shouted it out in 2023,” explained Coun Sheard, who had also visited the control room with former portfolio holder Coun Gary Taylor.

“Along with a few other councillors, I asked questions and was very, very encouraged to hear that we’d had some more cameras put up, particularly around the renovated toilet block (at Spalding’s Sheep Market).

“I did ask to view the distances they cover and what the clarity was, and I was very impressed to say that the camera that does move in a 360 degree fashion can cover all aspects of the Sheep Market, all the way down into Victoria Street car park.

“It really is quite impressive. That gave me lots of reassurance.”

Spalding’s cameras played their part in 22 arrests in 2024.

“I want reassure the public that the system has improved after being called out,” Coun Sheard added.

“It is better monitored, they have employed new staff and called for volunteers, and they do have a volunteer for the South Holland area who does go along regularly to review footage.”

Coun Sheard is now encouraging the public to play their part by reporting any incidents they see to the police.

She added: “I am hopeful the improvements continue. I would say the missing link now is the step between the monitoring hub and the responses the police can get, particularly with the reduced capacity they have due to reduced funding and manpower over recent years.

“But I’m hopeful, having had many conversations with the police in recent months, that their communication style is improving.

“What I would be desperate to put out is that if anything does occur, you see anything or you are unhappy with anything, please do get it reported. If you don’t report it it cant be actioned.

“If you do report and you don’t get a response, or you’re unhappy wit your response. please contact me.”

We have approached the district council for comment.

“If people feel nothing’s getting done let’s got on top of it.”

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