News from Westminster Labour

Westminster Labour calls for review of Abbey Road CCTV camera

Labour Councillors have called for a review of the CCTV camera in Abbey Road, at the corner of Springfield Road, following the tragic death of 10 year old Jack Duvall in November and after complaints from shopkeepers that the camera is driving away trade from shoppers arriving by car.

Traders and residents say that the CCTV camera should be used to deter crime and catch criminals and not be used simply as a cash-raising device for the Council. Apparently, the City Council says that the CCTV camera did not record the incident in which Jack Duvall was involved as it was not switched on at the time.

According to Nathalie Salama-Levy who runs a local delicatessen:

“It’s totally ridiculous. I’ve had people coming in shouting at us, thinking it’s our fault they’re getting tickets. We’ve had a very quiet November. I am sure that this has something to do with the camera”

Bruno Nobrega, who also runs a delicatessen, said:

“Customers come in to buy a £1.50 coffe and they end up with a bill of £62.”

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Leader of the Labour Group, said:

“The tragic death of Jack Duvall went unrecorded by the CCTV camera, yet the same camera has been responsible for handing out hundreds of parking fines to motorists. There needs to be a full review of the operation of this camera and others across Westminster. Shopkeepers in Moscow Road, Shirland Road, Lupus Street and now Abbey Road have all told us of the disasterous impact that the cameras are having on local businesses. At a time of tough economic conditions the Council needs to review the current use of CCTV cameras as money-making machines.”

Other news from Westminster Labour

• Labour's five point plan for fairer parking in Westminster - 15 March 2010
• 5-star dinner as Westminster's "Dinosaur" Conservatives axe hotlines - 12 March 2010
• Westminster Labour welcomes dog micro-chipping plan - 11 March 2010