The businesses here are so highly taxed, businesses are struggling, why should they pay for it? The council should do more about it.
TEMPORARY CCTV has once again been installed overlooking Fraserburgh's Broadgate in the same week that it has been revealed that a permanent CCTV system for Fraserburgh is currently out to tender.
The Fraserburgh Herald took to the Broadgate in an attempt to gauge public opinion regarding the cameras with the result showing overwhelming support for the initiative and the prospect of CCTV cameras covering the town centre on a permanent basis.
Every person the 'Herald' spoke to backed plans to have permanent CCTV installed and thought the temporary unit would help reduce crime in the meantime.
Ronnie McNab, who is Chairman of the Fraserburgh Community Council and is involved with the committee trying to get permanent CCTV in the town, told the 'Herald': "Brilliant to see this back in the town. A committee has been set up to look at the CCTV. I can't say much as it is under tender to make it permanent, but this is a boost to the Community."
One local shop worker on Broad Street told the 'Herald': "It should be a permanent fixture if it makes any difference. I would imagine it helps alleviate the perception of crime, but anything is worth a try with the state Fraserburgh is in.
"Crime in Fraserburgh does seem to be quite bad when you read the papers.
"The businesses here are so highly taxed, businesses are struggling, why should they pay for it? The Council should do more about it."
Mr Noble, a regular visitor to the town centre, told the 'Herald': "The CCTV is a good thing, there is not enough of it. I'd like to see them permanent and more of them, they should be all round the town. It will stop all the vandalism or at least help catch those responsible."
The temporary CCTV system was last installed in Fraserburgh over the Christmas and New Year period last year and the Herald understands it was used in several cases, including assaults, to provide vital evidence.
A Planning For Real exercise in the town last year, ran by the Business Association and Fraserburgh Futures Partnership, revealed that the perception and fear of crime in the town was quite high. It was decided at a subsequent public meeting that CCTV would go a long way to alleviating the publics' concerns.
It is unclear how long the CCTV will remain in place on this occasion as it appears that the timeframe is open ended
The system has also in the past been used to great effect to tackle crime hotspots in both Turriff and Peterhead.
Grampian Police were unavailable for comment.
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