Three permanent CCTV cameras have been installed in Yaxley to help address concerns about crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour that has been occurring in particular areas of the village.
Yaxley Parish Council, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Huntingdonshire District Council have secured funding to purchase, install and have the cameras monitored 24/7 from the district council’s CCTV Control Room.
The area of Yaxley had been brought to the attention of the district council’s community safety team as some areas were being identified as ‘no go’ areas after a certain time of day. The parish council and the neighbourhood policing team, based in the village, were also aware of these problems and agreed that action needed to be taken. The CCTV cameras will not only help identify those that are causing the problems, they will also act as a deterrent and reassure those using local facilities, that Yaxley is a safe place.
The cameras have been installed in three locations, all non-residential areas, where it is felt they will have the most impact. The first camera has been installed in front of the William De Yaxley Primary School and will cover the front entrance to the Broadway Shopping Centre, the second camera is installed in the car park of the shopping centre and the third camera is near the parish council buildings. All three cameras provide 360 degree coverage and they will be monitored and recorded 24 hours a day all year round.
Councillor Mike Simpson said; “We have worked closely with the police and the parish council to get the cameras installed and everyone is working hard to resolve the problems identified. I would like to express my thanks to everyone involved and hope the cameras will help prevent any further problems in Yaxley.”
The installation of the cameras is just one part of the partnership work that is taking place in Yaxley to address crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. Working with OCYPS, funding was awarded by the Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership and other partners to refurbish the Yaxley Youth Centre that had fallen into a state of disrepair and not used for over three years.
Provision for young people in Yaxley in the form of four nights a week of activity has been secured and it is hoped that these diversionary activities will discourage young people from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. The exciting developments were celebrated with a ‘Fun Day’ at the Youth Centre on 29 May with many young people attending and participating in the activities.
If you would like to hear more about the community safety projects that are taking place in Yaxley or would like to get involved please contact the community safety team at Huntingdonshire District Council on 01480 388388 or the Council's website.