A major upgrade to CCTV coverage in Selby will strengthen public safety, reassure residents and businesses, and give the police the high-quality evidence they need to tackle incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour.
Our closed-circuit television (CCTV) team is working alongside our telecommunications and digital infrastructure company, NYnet, to deliver the service which will cover Selby town centre, along with parts of Sherburn in Elmet and Tadcaster.
The service was contracted out for 30 years to Mayfair Fire and Security, but that partnership ended on 31 March with the new system now up and running.
While the previous arrangement has served the area well, bringing the area’s CCTV network in‑house will allow major upgrades to be delivered, transforming it from a part‑time operation into a fully monitored service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, who leads on community safety, said: “This investment in modern CCTV technology will enhance the quality of evidence available, supporting investigations and delivering a higher standard of service for residents.
“We are grateful to our previous contractor for their work, but now is the right time to upgrade the system and take full advantage of new capabilities, including the advanced fibre‑optic network delivered by NYnet.
“These improvements will help us respond to incidents more quickly and keep public safety at the forefront of our approach.”
A total of 10 cameras will be installed across the three areas, all of which will be monitored around the clock from a control room in Harrogate. The system enables officers to talk directly to both the police force control room and officers on the ground.
In addition, shops and pubs can communicate directly with the CCTV control room using a shared two‑way radio system called the Apex radio scheme.
While CCTV is primarily used to prevent crime and disorder and antisocial behaviour, it is also important in providing reassurance and in tracing vulnerable people, supporting safeguarding concerns, and assisting the emergency services.
Within weeks of its installation the network has already been key to tracking down a suspected shoplifter, locating missing people and monitoring a driver suspected of being over the prescribed limit.
The leader of the Labour group on North Yorkshire Council, Cllr Steve Shaw-Wright, lives in Selby and represents the Selby West division.
He said: “This is about using modern technology to support our community. The upgraded CCTV system will improve image quality and reliability, helping protect residents, businesses and visitors while maintaining Selby as a safe and welcoming place.”
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, has had a longstanding association with NYnet and is now an observer on the board.
He said: “I am delighted that NYnet has been able to support the rollout of this new CCTV system. By providing the digital connectivity that underpins these cameras the company is helping to deliver clearer images, more reliable evidence and a modern service that residents can have confidence in.”
North Yorkshire Police Inspector, Rob Campbell, said: “This is a real boost for safety across Selby. Better cameras, round the clock monitoring and stronger links between partners mean we can respond quicker, gather better evidence and provide greater reassurance to the public.
“It’s a clear example of how North Yorkshire Council is helping us work more closely together to deliver for our communities.”