Working group supports safety in Skipton with new CCTV funding
A local working group featuring partnered organisations is supporting safety in Skipton this winter with the installation of a temporary CCTV camera in a key town centre location.
The Community Safety Working Group for Skipton has announced it has secured funding for a temporary high-definition camera in Skipton Bus Station, which has been installed today (November 26th).
Discussions for the new camera began earlier this year after residents raised concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour in the area during a survey by Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team.
The working group, with representatives from Skipton Town Council, Skipton Business Improvement District (BID), North Yorkshire Police, the North Yorkshire Community Safety Hub and other partnered community groups and organisations, has been working together for more than two years to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.
Councillor Brian McDaid, chair of the Community Safety Working Group, said: “I’m pleased that new CCTV has now been installed at Skipton Bus Station. This has taken persistent work since the issue was raised and was proposed at our first Community Safety Working Group meeting, when residents made their concerns about anti-social behaviour clear.
“While the installation of CCTV is an important step, we know it is only one part of the wider work needed to ensure all residents feel safe in and around the town.
“We will continue focusing on practical measures that support both community safety and the wellbeing of our young people — including increasing the provision of positive spaces and opportunities for them”
Meanwhile, Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID Manager, added: “As a group, we are delighted to announce that the new camera has been installed in the Bus Station.
“At the BID, our ‘Safe & Welcoming’ objective outlines our commitment to ensuring Skipton remains a safe, friendly, attractive and welcoming destination for visitors, local people and business owners. So, we’re very pleased to be a part of this important initiative.”
North Yorkshire Police said that more than 70 separate police patrols have taken place in the bus station and immediate surroundings over the last month.
Craven Inspector Paul Crabtree said the force has responded to the concerns raised by local people.
Inspector Crabtree said: “We’ve responded decisively with a very strong police presence in this small area.
“Positive responses like this involve working together with other organisations. I’d like to thank everyone who’s shared their concerns. This helps everyone involved identify the best way forward and respond jointly, in a way that people will find reassuring.”
Councillor Andy Solloway, of Skipton West and West Craven Ward, said the new camera will be a very useful addition to the town.
Cllr Solloway said: “This new camera is a result of a team effort from the Community Safety Working Group and North Yorkshire Police, which I was also very happy to help out with my Councillor Locality Budget allocation
“CCTV will go some way towards improving public safety and will be a very useful addition to policing in the area.”
If the temporary camera proves to be a success, the Community Safety Working Group is likely to discuss the possibility of a permanent fixture on the same site.
