Effectiveness of Spalding’s CCTV called into question by councillor after graffiti incidents

The effectiveness of a CCTV system has once again been called into question — after it failed to help catch a vandal who defaced a popular piece of town centre artwork.

Spalding councillor Ingrid Sheard says she is disappointed after footage of the recent attack of the street artwork on the former Calthrops site was of no ‘evidential value’ to the police.

Coun Sheard has previously questioned the effectiveness of the town’s system of cameras after raising concerns about anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Two years ago, South Holland District Council and its partners in the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership installed new high-tech cameras in 18 key spots in Spalding after received Safer Streets Funding.

Police have recently revealed that they have introduced a CCTV review volunteer and a new review facility to Spalding Police Station.

Coun Sheard, who represents Monkshouse Ward on South Holland District Council, said: “It is encouraging to know that we are implementing volunteers to make the CCTV a more useful tool, but I am disappointed that the system has on this occasion not helped to resolve this matter.

“We need to look at how the system can be improved and what went wrong in this instance.

“Graffiti is becoming an ever increasing blight in and around the town and surrounding areas. I would encourage everyone to please be vigilant and report all new incidents that appear so a full picture of activities can be created by the police.

“I would also ask that SHDC put their full efforts into removing and covering the graffiti as it appears and do not allow it to be visible for any length of time blighting our surroundings.”

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