Kettering park could have 24-hour CCTV installed

CCTV cameras could be installed in areas of a Kettering park where people have been spotted openly dealing drugs.

Concerns were raised earlier this year about criminal activity in the Mill Road Park with one 13-year-old boy offered drugs when he walked through it.

Now Kettering Council and the county's police and crime commissioner are consulting on a proposal to install 24-hour CCTV in areas of the park.

They say the cameras would 'deter crime and aid in securing arrests and convictions for criminal activity'.

Ward councillor Mick Scrimshaw (Lab) said it was the best news he had heard about the park for 20 years.

He said: "For 20 years we have been dealing with issues at the park and while some of the issues aren't the worst issues, people are intimidated.

"People are worried that their community asset is misused, whether that's street drinking or drug taking.

"Let's not forget this park is next to a primary school.

"It's a shame this is necessary but this is a good step in the right direction."

In October a consultation was launched on an identical proposal for the Pleasure Park off Park Road and nearby North Park.

But the move was branded as "lazy and intrusive" by one resident who lived nearby.

To take the Mill Road Park survey click here.

The deadline for responses is December 18.