June 4, 2013 1.51 pm This story is over 129 months old

Lincoln CCTV remains 24/7 despite potential staffing cuts

More cuts: The City Council have vowed to continue its CCTV service as usual despite possible staff cuts.
CCTV camera on Monks Road in Lincoln. Photo: Dom Clark

CCTV cameras across Lincoln will continue to be monitored 24 hours a day despite potential cuts to the number of staff on duty at any time.

The City of Lincoln Council, which provides the service, is proposing to make savings to the budget would mean there is one person working at all times, with extra help during busier times.

Full time staff would be reduced from nine to six, but the cameras being watched will be unaffected.

Should the plan be carried forward, this would save the council £321,310 over the next five years.

Steve Bird, Assistant Director Communities and Street Scene at the council, said: “We are pleased that we have been able to work with the staff in the unit, and are grateful for their co-operation at this most difficult time, in working up a proposal that maintains a good level of service.

““The proposal is a pragmatic one that reduces the staffing at times of lower demand, but still maintains higher staff levels at times when we know the service comes under greatest pressure.””

The City Council have been faced with making savings of £1 million from its budget this year after cuts in government funding, with further £3 million cuts by 2016.

So far this has led to cuts to Lincoln Drill Hall funding, scrapping the Sports Development team, Urban Rangers and Commons Wardens, and a charge for green waste collection. The Walk and Ride service might also be scrapped.

The CCTV proposal will be put before the Policy and Scrutiny Committee on June 5 at City Hall before going to the Executive Committee on June 17.