REVEALED: COST OF CCTV AT NEW SUGGITT'S LANE RAIL FOOTBRIDGE IN CLEETHORPES

One of the two camera columns at the new railway footbridge

COSTS of installing  fixed CCTV cameras, columns and associated infrastructure at the new Suggitt's Lane railway footbridge in Cleethorpes have come in  at £70,000.

This is revealed in a new report which shows that the cost of upgrading CCTV across North East Lincolnshire is set to go through the roof.

At a NELC cabinet meeting next week, members will be asked to approve an extra £1.25-million on top of £1-million approved in July 2020.

Why the needs for so much extra expenditure? 

According to the report, it is due to "unforeseen uplift in market conditions and the requirements to add additional camera locations and remote sites to the original project". 

The report continues: "This will enable the council to operate an effective modern CCTV capability, utilising the latest technology and transmission infrastructure to improve community safety and reduce crime and the fear of crime."

The breakdown of the extra £1,250,295 sought is as follows:

• Incorporation of 15 additional remote l standalone sites and 51 additional camera locations: £418,335

• Unforeseen costs which include retail price index uplift, electrical infrastructure requirements to meet safety requirements and wireless licences: £696,960

• Costs for fixed cameras, columns and infrastructure for Suggitt's Lane footbridge development totalling £70,000

• Cost for additional rapid deployment cameras and increase in cost of improvements to the CCTV control room £65,000 

The report goes on: "The CCTV network is beyond its life expectancy and requires investment. 

"A decision to not invest resulting in the system falling into disrepair could impact on the confidence of residents and businesses. 

"It would also impact on the council’s ability to assist both the police and fire services in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes or anti-social behaviour and the NELC enforcement team in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of environmental crimes."

What will council taxpayers make of this surge in cash requirement?

The document states: "The increased capital cost does present a risk in terms of negative reputational impact for the council which will need to be managed carefully. 

"It will be important to communicate the additional geographical camera coverage that the wider scope of the project now encompasses.

"Whilst the costs to complete the CCTV project have increased, there remains positive reputational benefits for the council resulting in decisions to invest in its CCTV network.

"It demonstrates that the authority is committed to keeping the system up to date with the latest technical advancements. 

"The investment also reassures members of the community and other stakeholders that NELC understands its statutory duty and is proactively taking steps to make the area safer in accordance with its strategic aims." 

If the cabinet approves the additional expenditure, the borrowing cost over the estimated average life of the assets of 10 years will be in the region of £150k per annum, including interest.

This will be required to be met with effect from 2023/24 onwards.

                                      

CCTV= Carrion Crow TV - these watchful corvids provide two extra pairs of eyes