Frustration over delay in security cameras

Winchester MP Mark Oaten said he is "very disappointed" with how long it is taking to get the cameras to go live, especially since the delay meant that vandals were able to wreck the town's Jubilee clock over the summer.

Now he is urging Winchester City Council to pull out all the stops to make sure the long-awaited cameras, which residents asked for more than 18 months ago, are finally fit for their purpose.

He said: "It's really frustrating that it is taking so long to get these cameras sorted. I am very disappointed - it's just unacceptable. They have been trying to get the cameras to go live since they were installed two months ago, but unfortunately during that period the clock was vandalised."

He added: "We've sent out a crime survey and there is a growing concern about crime and theft in the area. So the CCTV will at least give residents some assurance. But we also need to ensure that there is adequate police coverage in Bishop's Waltham as well."

The clock had all eight of its hands on its four faces bent in the mindless attack at the end of August.

Police believed that ladders or a van were used to scale the 15-foot pole supporting the clock, as anti-vandal paint was unmarked.

Residents and Bishop's Waltham Parish Council want to make sure they can try and prevent something like that from happening again.

Ziggy Skellen, parish council clerk, said: "We know that there have been a few technical glitches but once it is up and running it will be fine."

She added: "It was such a shame that we didn't have it when the clock was vandalised. But we are hopeful that vandalism in the area will be diminished once they are in action."

A Winchester City Council spokesman said: "Bishop's Waltham CCTV is a complicated technical project, with a number of suppliers involved.

"There is a problem with the broadband connection which will enable the cameras to be monitored. We are taking steps to put this right."