by Gareth Cross
CCTV cameras are being used to help fight anti-social behaviour at four Derry community centres.
The information came to light at a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Health and Community Committee in Strabane last week.
CCTV cameras are currently used in four council owned community centres, Creggan Community Centre, Mullabouy Community Centre, Shantallow Community Centre and Tullyally Community Centre.
The four centres were chosen based on number of staff, opening hours, range of programmes provided, footfall, location and risk of anti-social behaviour.
A council officer told the meeting that the CCTV cameras "enhances the safety and wellbeing of staff and the public.
"It also enhances the protection of children and vulnerable adults; assists prevention, investigation and detection of crime and anti-social behaviour; and investigation into criminal activity," the officer said.
Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson said that the CCTV created a secure and safe space for staff and service users.
Cllr Jackson told the meeting that it acted as a deterrent for anti-social behaviour and eased the concerns of residents in the areas around the community centres.
He said the cameras met privacy regulations and only had a positive impact.
DUP councillor Hilary McClintock asked if there were any plans to roll out CCTV to other community centres.
A council officer said that it was something the design team would like at for all newly built centres but that the decision for CCTV was made on things like footfall and risk of anti-social behaviour.
He told the meeting that at some centres there was no need for CCTV cameras.
SDLP councillor Gus Hastings said that cameras were installed at Pilot's Row Community Centre 16 years ago and had led to a reduction of vandalism and break-ins at the centre.
He told the meeting the initiative had proven successful with staff and service users and was all 'very positive'.
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