New CCTV cameras to be installed key areas across Ipswich

Installations will take place in key locations such as Princes Street, Tavern Street, Lloyds Avenue and the Buttermarket area. 

Stoke Bridge, Ipswich Rail Station and Neptune Marina will also be included. 

Existing cameras are currently monitored from an Emergency Service Centre at Grafton House (Image: Jason Noble)

Ipswich Borough Council says the new cameras will feature improved picture quality and will add to the existing models based around the town centre, several out-of-town shopping parades and council-owned facilities. 

The body claims current units are monitored from an Emergency Service Centre at Grafton House 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and new cameras will help "maintain a feeling of safety and security in public areas" by deterring, detecting and investigating any potential criminal activity. 

Councillor Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council portfolio holder for community protection and health, said: “CCTV has proved highly effective in Ipswich by helping to monitor our streets so that people feel safe and supports police investigations.

"Our 24/7 monitoring helps to locate lost children and has even allowed us to quickly spot a fire in Tavern Street and direct teams to extinguish it before it caused major damage, we were also able to bring the culprit to the attention of the police."

Councillor Alasdair Ross (Image: Newsquest)

The council's existing CCTV contract will be discussed in an executive meeting on November 29. 

There, contract changes will be considered while a request for a new maintenance contract for 2024 will also be discussed.

Mr Ross added: “It is important that as a responsible authority we carry out reviews to ensure that our maintenance and support contracts continue to meet our needs.

"In the case of CCTV cameras in place, there are improvements being made, so it is timely to review our maintenance needs to ensure that from 2024 our contract requirements are updated and agreed.”