A new CCTV camera has been introduced in Inverkip as Inverclyde Council bids to boost public safety in the “fantastic village”.
The local authority has confirmed it has completed the installation of the equipment on Main Street to address a gap in coverage.
The camera has been added in response to feedback which was gathered from members of the public as well as other partners.
It is hoped the CCTV will tackle issues with antisocial behaviour in the area, specifically gatherings at nearby Inverkip Beach.
Councillor Paul Cassidy, vice convener of the environment and regeneration committee, explained the reasons for putting it in place.
He said: “Inverkip is a fantastic village with excellent transport links, housing, a marina and a beautiful beach, so it’s natural that people want to visit to make use of the facilities.
“However, the beach area in particular has unfortunately attracted antisocial behaviour in recent times and we’ve been looking at ways in which we can try and prevent nuisance behaviour and catch those who are determined to cause problems.
“Following feedback from local representatives, the community council, police and other key stakeholders, we have installed a camera to act as a deterrent for antisocial behaviour and further enhance public safety.”
The installation has formed part of a wider CCTV review which is currently underway across Inverclyde.
As it stands, the local authority has 44 fixed cameras, five redeployable cameras and three new vans that are due to be ready later this year.
It follows the council’s decision to spend £75,000 on the state-of-the-art CCTV system last year after previous performance issues blighted the network.
It invested in a suite of digital cameras to improve the reliability of the system and cut running costs.
They are used in the interests of community safety and crime prevention.
All cameras are monitored by council CCTV operators based at Greenock Police Station.
