CCTV for Portrush?

In a question from a member of the public, Chief Inspector Nicky Thompson was asked if the current CCTV system in the resort is working, and what area it covered.

The Chief Inspector told the meeting that poles to fix cameras on, were currently in place in various locations around Portrush, however he said: 'It could be some time before we see the cameras on the poles.'

Chief Inspector Thompson revealed that there is currently only one camera that is operational in the resort, at Station Square.

He explained that the Northern Ireland Office had offered Safer Coleraine, the body that runs the cameras in the borough, a financial package for the installation of the new cameras.

"The NIO is offering a poor version.

"We want a system that is viewable from Coleraine Police Station, so that if an incident is reported, our officers can immediately view the area from the station.

"It boils down to money, and we are 26,000 short.

"It is a wrangle between Safer Coleraine and the NIO, and it could be sometime before it is resolved.

"We want a silver or gold system, and what the NIO is offering would be more like tin."

The Chief Inspector said he had written to the First Minister to ask if he could get involved in the situation, and added: "I have no doubt that a lot of assaults wouldn't happen if CCTV was in place in this area."