PLANS to install extra security cameras in Caia Park have been put on hold.
Members of the community council are keen to buy their own vandal-proof CCTV cameras in a bid to reduce crime in the area.
But they have now met a stumbling block – data protection requirements.
Clerk Michael Morris told the council they would have to register with the Information Commissioner and to do that they would face “considerable bureaucracy”.
He said: “If we were to buy our own CCTV we would have to rely on the police or the council to adopt it on our behalf.
“We could organise our own registration but it’s not easy.
“I think the best thing to do is see if we can get some help from the police as they will already have their own data protection registration and PCSOs are the ideal people to help monitor the footage.
“There are also considerable costs.
“The camera would cost about £3,500 but then there’s the contract maintenance which would be at least £18 per month and the unexpected expenses could rise.”
The council has already set aside enough money for the scheme, which would set up a CCTV camera in a known crime hotspot in the hope it would deter petty troublemakers and increase successful prosecutions against more serious offenders.
The community council could also buy ‘dummy’ cameras which could be dotted around the estate as a further deterrent with the “active” camera switching between them.
All the Caia Park councillors are in favour of the idea.
Cllr Maurice Jones suggested the council could go it alone, saying: “It’s not impossible to do it ourselves. I think having our own system is a really good idea.”
But Cllr Brian Cameron said: “I think we’re all in favour of having our own CCTV but we need to see if it’s possible to go into partnership with the police or the county council.”
Chairman Cllr Marc Jones backed the idea of extra support, adding: “It would be better to get the police or the county council on board.”
The council agreed to appeal to North Wales Police for help in setting up the system.