‘Hybrid’ CCTV System & WiFi Hotspots Proposed For Wrexham

A ‘hybrid’ CCTV transmission system to help tackle crime in the town centre could soon be introduced.

In proposals due to go before the Executive Board next week, it is recommended a WiFi network developed across the town centre.

The report by Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships and Collaboration, seeks approval to upgrade CCTV cameras to create a new “hybrid” transmission system for CCTV images and to use the CCTV infrastructure to create a network of WiFi hotspots across Wrexham town centre.

Currently Wrexham town centre is covered by analogue CCTV cameras. As part of the review of the CCTV service, an opportunity has been identified to use the Wrexham town centre CCTV infrastructure to create a number of ‘WiFi’ hotspots

The estimated cost of the proposal is £400k and it is proposed to fund the work from £74k of capital funding, a one off contribution of £158k from the Assets and Economic Development 2015/16 budget and the department is currently seeking £168k from Vibrant and Viable Places and

The meeting documents also go onto add: “In addition to the upgrading of the fixed CCTV cameras, the intention is to acquire four redeployable cameras to tackle crime “hot spots”. Whilst the introduction of redeployable
cameras can be seen to provide obvious benefits it is important to remember that there must be a genuine justification for their installation.”

Cllr Jones, said: “I am very pleased to be able to present this report to Executive Board. It follows months of work by officers and members which included a consultation process with other North Wales authorities.

“I am confident that the proposals will give us a CCTV system that is up to date with the added bonus of being able to offer WiFi hotspots in the town centre.

“I hope members will support the proposals which will help towards our priority of ensuring that Wrexham is a place where people feel, and are, safe and secure.”

Along with the proposed ‘hybrid’ transmission for the town centre, the report also details plans to axe five CCTV cameras in Chirk and Rhosllannerchrugog due to lack of funding from Community Councils. Gwersyllt Community Council is currently considering whether or not it wishes to contribute towards the running cost of six cameras in its area. If not, it is proposed that these too are removed.

The Executive Board takes place on Tuesday 10 March at 2.00 pm at the Guildhall and members of the public are invited to attend. The meeting will also be webcast and anyone wanting to view the live proceedings can do so from Wrexham Council’s website.