SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack has criticised the PSNI's notification that it is to cut its contribution supporting the CCTV programme in the city by over £12,000 with further cuts to follow.
The information came to light at yesterday afternoon's meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Health and Community committee.
"This is a retrograde and short sighted decision by the authorities who are obviously looking at this programme as a soft touch. The reality is that the CCTV service in the City is vitally important to saving lives and fighting crime," Cllr Cusack told the meeting.
"We have already seen numerous times how it has been invaluable in identifying and helping to get help to many in distress along our riverbank. The CCTV has also done much of the groundwork for the PSNI in evidence gathering and analysing the details of serious and petty criminal offences.
"Without which, such cases would still be open, unresolved and victims living in fear. The recently installed system which I fought hard to secure along the Strand Road is already proving a great success in improving the lives of the population there.
"In reality, the nominal current annual investment of £62,500 in supporting the scheme in the City , I believe saves them hundreds of thousands in the long run in man-hours, administration and crimes solved.
"But most importantly any service which helps saves lives or increases peoples safety , should ever be compromised for the sake of saving a few pounds for the Government."
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