Lib Dems oppose cut in CCTV budget

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 24th Jan 2007

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors were surprised and concerned by a recent proposal by the Conservative administration to cut the CCTV budget for Maidstone.

CCTV has been hugely successful in reducing crime in Maidstone

In the last few years, Maidstone's CCTV system has been very successful in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the area as well as giving peace of mind to many residents and visitors to the town. Councillor Malcolm Robertson, Leader of the Maidstone Liberal Democrats said, "The proposed cut of £80,000 would result in a significant reduction of coverage and monitoring; in regard to both the fixed and mobile systems. It would also make further expansion of the system extremely difficult." He continued, "The Cabinet members are due to make their final decision in February when myself and my Liberal Democrat colleagues will be strongly opposing the proposal."

As the Liberal Democrats to not have a majority on the Council, the support of the general public is essential. An online petition has been set up to capture details of anyone opposed to the budget cut and will be presented directly to the Cabinet.