Call for CCTV to keep track of train yobs (From Warrington Guardian)

Call for CCTV to keep track of train yobs

OFFICIALS could use cash donated by developers to pay for CCTV at Knutsford Train Station.

The Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership is believed to be considering buying at least two security cameras.

"Commuted sum monies could be used for that purpose because it's in the public interest," said member Clr Wilson Hamman.

"We feel that CCTV is needed with probably two cameras to cover the station."

Members of the Community Rail Partnership met on Thursday at Knutsford to discuss station security after vandals left officials with a bill for £1,000.

They discussed improving seating, making waiting areas less secluded and introducing CCTV. "Hopefully it should cure the problem with dossers there," said Clr Hamman. Commuted sums - cash given by developers when they get permission to build in Knutsford - could be used to pay for some improvements.

But Partnership rail officer John Kitchen said members were still considering many funding options because they were unsure of costs.

"People have committed to working up a proposal," he said.

"We're trying to put together the expected costs and we have various ideas for funding."

Earlier this year more than £100,000 was spent on seven security cameras to monitor King Street, Princess Street, Minshull Street and Canute Square.

Last week police praised the town centre system for helping to track down two men after a charity box was allegedly stolen from Cromwell's Chocolates in King Street.

Train operator First North Western recently ruled out paying for CCTV in Knutsford, despite spending £1,000 to repair the station.

But the company will step down on December 12 when Serco NedRailways takes over the new Northern Rail franchise.

Last week Clr Hamman, a non-driver who regularly uses public transport, said considering using CCTV at Knutsford Train Station was important.

"It's looking promising that this is being taken in the right direction," he said.

Over the past few months vandals have punched holes in a wooden roof, destroyed an 18ft fence and ripped out seating at the station.

The damage was a setback for teams who had improved the platform's paintwork, roof slates and flowerbeds.