CCTV cameras across Tenby are in line for an upgrade next year, local councillors were informed this week.

Superintendent Steve Cockwell and Chief inspector Amanda Diggins, of Dyfed Powys Police, along with Pembrokeshire County Council’s community safety, poverty and regeneration manager, Sinead Henehan, met with members of Tenby Town Council at their meeting on Tuesday to discuss CCTV provision across Pembrokeshire.

Superintendent Cockwell explained that a newly funded project initiated by the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Dyfed-Powys Police force identified locations in the area, including Tenby, where CCTV cameras would be enhanced.

It was explained that CCTV technology in Tenby would be updated, to feature HD cameras and allow for 360 movements, giving better and greater scope.

“The key factors are that all images will go back to the control room at the police headquarters and there will also be monitoring capability at Tenby’s police station,” said Superintendent Cockwell.

“It will give us more eyes on the ground and immediate access to areas in the town to view images of locations when a 999 call has been made.

“The cameras also act as a deterrent to prevent bad behaviour and crime, but if there is any, it means we can react to it and direct officers to the scene.

“This is a positive for communities in Pembrokeshire and the cameras are there to support our officers,” he continued.

A new system will be installed around Tenby’s harbour area, as well as replacement cameras on Tudor Square, South Parade, St. Georges Street and High Street overlooking the North Beach.

Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, pointed out that all existing and new cameras appeared to be focused on areas inside the town walls and around it, stating that there were other problem areas in Tenby, including over by the South Beach, where youths often congregated, causing anti-social behaviour.

“I feel that there are other areas in the town that should have CCTV cameras, especially places that are not as well policed as the town centre,” she said.

“I was at a meeting of the skate park committee this week, and I’m sorry to say it was pointed out that drug taking still goes on in that area, overlooking the South Beach. We get a lot of trouble in that area, with bonfires being built, not barbecues, and the toilets being broken into, as well as similar problems along the North Walk area,” added Clr. Mrs. Brown.

Superintendent Cockwell said that he would take the feedback back on these examples of anti-social behaviour, but said that the CCTV systems were predominantly focused on prime areas where the need was shown for them, and the night time economy of bars and pubs.

It was also explained that the town council, who currently contributed £2,500 to CCTV provision in the resort, were no longer required to, under this new five-year project.

It is anticipated that the new system will be fully operational by March of next year.