CCTV security cameras have just come on stream in central Purley to monitor the main shopping area and rail station as part of a Government-funded crackdown on crime.

Croydon Council's installation of the hi-tech surveillance equipment is a direct response to concerns from local residents and retailers about rises in crime and disorder.

The four new cameras, which are being monitored and recorded 24 hours a day from Croydon's Taberner House security control room, are keeping a close watch on Russell Hill parade, Brighton Road, Purley Parade and the High Street.

This latest equipment adds to the 48 cameras already monitoring the Purley multi-storey car park, with £185,000 the total cost of the CCTV surveillance cover now installed in the district centre.

Councillor Gerry Ryan, Croydon's cabinet member for highways, transportation and public services, said: "Addressing the crime concerns of Purley residents and shopkeepers head-on we are confident that this latest equipment will bring a real improvement to the local area.

"As well as making people feel safer when they're out and about, CCTV has already proved itself elsewhere in the borough as an effective tool to detect and cut crime."

November 28, 2001 15:30