New closed-circuit television cameras being introduced across Tendring in the fight against crime are being blighted by technical problems, the Evening Gazette can reveal

There are operational difficulties with the equipment in Great Clacton, Frinton and Harwich although major efforts are being made to put the matter right as quickly as possible.

Terry Allen, executive leader of Tendring Council, which is carrying out the work with its partners, said there were now a total of 26 cameras right across the district.

"They all operate on one of just three wavelengths that are available to us," he said.

"The trouble is that the technology is complex, and the wavelengths are unlicensed and open to everyone with similar equipment to use freely."

Mr Allen admitted that meant the council experienced interference or a problem of one kind or another quite frequently.

He emphasised that every effort was being made to put matters right.

Also, those cameras operating in areas of towns such as the seafront, where problems are most likely to arise, have not been affected by the difficulties.

"In Harwich we need to adapt a particular camera to improve performance but I expect that to be completed by next week," he added.

Mr Allen said the particular problem in Frinton was that leafy trees and cameras did not mix well in busy streets.

That had caused difficulties in certain areas of the the town where some sight lines had been partially obscured but that was also being sorted out.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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