Ipswich Borough Council to ask PCC for CCTV funding

CCTV has faced increased scrutiny following the death of 18-year-old Raymond James Quigley, who was stabbed to death in the town's high street on January 17. 

"It costs us around half a million pounds a year to run CCTV," said Cllr Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for community protection and health.

Cllr Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for community protection and health (Image: Newsquest)

"We have more cameras than a lot of other places. 

"We have been asking the police and crime commissioner, Tim Passmore, to help us fund this for years, but the answer has always been no.

"The Conservatives have now asked whether we will join them in writing to him to ask again and that's what we plan to do."

The question was raised by Cllr Sam Murray at an IBC meeting last week - with the Conservative member proposing a collaborative cross-party letter to the PCC. 

Cllr Sam Murray (Image: Newsquest)

"This isn't a political thing," she told this newspaper. 

"The council needs help with this and, at the moment, the police are using CCTV but aren't helping to fund it.

"For the good of Ipswich, this is something that needs to happen. 

"If the town's residents pay taxes that go to the police, then it's only right that some of that money goes towards improving their safety."

Mr Passmore said he will welcome any letter from the council and is prepared to "consider any proposals carefully".

"I'm very supportive of CCTV," he added. 

Police and crime commissioner, Tim Passmore (Image: Newsquest)

"But we have limited resources and any help that goes to Ipswich also needs to go to other areas with similar issues. 

"And if we increase money for CCTV, we would have to take it from other sectors.

"We just don't have that level of funding.

"But I am always happy to discuss and consider new proposals."