Archive - Friday, 20 February 2004


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Shops' plea for cctv cameras

TRADERS are calling for an end to graffiti and vandalism plaguing a shopping precinct in Warminster.

The Three Horseshoes Mall has seen an increase in crime including broken drainpipes, smashed bottles and graffiti daubed on shop windows.

Shopkeepers are hoping moves to install CCTV cameras or gates closing off the route at night will deter vandals.

One trader said: "Every morning you come in and there is rubbish and smashed bottles or graffiti here there and everywhere. The only reason people come down here at night is to cause trouble. It's not as though anything is open."

Stuart James, manager of Mad About Toys, said: "There was talk about gates in the past but CCTV is probably the best idea.

He said: "You just walk around and see writing on the walls and broken drain pipes something has to be done."

Warminster Town Council has been pressing for property agents Hartnell Taylor Cook to clean up the centre.

Town and district councillor Chris March, chairman of the West Wilts CCTV committee, said: "We have been pressing for a long time to get CCTV cameras as they work so well in other parts of the town."

Managing agents Hartnell Taylor Cook, based in Bristol, own Three Horseshoes

Mall and partner Paul Winteringham, said: "We will be contacting retailers individually to discuss their concerns. The town council and my clients are keen to see the extension of the CCTV system into the shopping centre and we have obtained costings and they are being considered. We have considered installation gates at the entrances to the precinct but this would be very difficult due to public right of way.

"Unfortunately shopping precincts are a target for vandalism throughout the country. We hope we can reduce the problem in Warminster."