Huntcliff School CCTV deters vandals
A NORTH Lincolnshire secondary school have eliminated cases of vandalism thanks to a hi-tech video surveillance CCTV system.
Huntcliff Secondary School in Kirton-In Lindsey reported a number of vandalism incidents last year, which are estimated to have cost the school more than £20,000 in damages.
The incidents were also threatening the risk of a potential increase in insurance premiums.
Ron Langdon, facilities manager of Huntcliff School is reported to have been attracted to the Dalycom IP video surveillance solution because of its high quality and reliability.
"At night, the system is set up so that if a person-sized object moves within the field of vision an alert and a picture is sent to our on-call dog patrol that can check if it's a false alarm or respond as needed.
"With the CCTV, we don't need to employ a full time security guard, which is a significant saving. Overall, it has been a really worthwhile investment.
"Potentially, our premium rises could have been the same the salary for a full-time teacher and we would rather spend our money on helping our pupils than insuring our building."
Councillor Tony Gosling, cabinet member for Children's Services at North Lincolnshire Council said he supported the school in wanting to protect buildings and facilities from vandalism.
He said: "It seems the cameras have helped by acting as a deterrent to would-be troublemakers.
For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
Comments
by Kirton Resident, Kirton
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 9:37PM
“Lets hope that these cameras will be able to pick up any untoward activity that occurs on the field opposite should the caravan park get the planning permission that they have submitted. If you do not know here it is in a nut shell - a councillor has put in an application to place 59 caravans with 70 parking spaces onto the field next to the skip. On the application - ref number PA/2009/1500 states that the accomodation will be lodges, mobile homes and caravans, therefore not allowing the council or the residents of Kirton much information to go on. Needless to say there is no information or plans to address any issues within the town that this development would bring - the increase in traffic in the area, any traffic management plans for the road or the junction at Queen corner, the increase in requirment for the medical services in the area, or the schools ability to accept extra students and there are finally no plans on the management of drainage, which is a major issue in Kirton since the floods of 2 years ago. Despite all these, the buildings are not in keeping with the town or the local environment and the development is planned outside the development zone of Kirton Lindsey. Kirton Lindsey town council have put in some objections to these plans. If you would like to add to the petition then please sign them in Mills, Holts and the Butchers in Kirton Market Square. You can also search for the planning application online on the North Lincs council website under planning applications and searching for the planning application PA/2009/1500. Lets hope that given the number of residents that have objected this planning application, the town councils objection and the fact that North Lincolnshire Council themselves within their LDF (local development framework) have identified the area as agriculture land for the next 10-15 years that common sense prevails in this situation and the application is investigated throughly and hopefully rejected, despite the applications author.”